Beret Toss: Distance and Accuracy

A rural festival sport event: throw a beret as far as possible, spinning it like a disc, then toss it at hoop targets. Students work on a backhand throw with a wrist snap, force control, and teamwork while measuring and recording.

How to play

1. Set up 4 throwing lanes 65 ft long with cones every 6 ft and, beside them, a target zone with 3 hoops at 15, 25, and 35 ft (3 min).
2. Demo: grip the beret by the edge and throw backhand, arm crossing in front of the body with a final wrist snap, so it flies flat like a plate (2 min).
3. Groups of 6 per lane: each student makes three distance throws; a partner marks the landing spot and another records it with the measuring tape (6 min).
4. Groups rotate to the target zone: hoops are worth 1, 2, or 3 points by distance; three berets per turn (6 min).
5. Finish by adding each group's best distance and best score, and share which grip works best (3 min).

Rules

• Throw only when the lane is clear and the recorder says "Clear!"
• Walk to pick up berets and walk back along the side of the lane.
• Measure and record everyone's throws honestly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student throws seated from their own line and compares results with their own best.
• Students with autism: provide a three-step picture sequence (grip, cross, release).
• Advanced students: add a curve so the beret bends toward a hoop placed diagonally.

Learning goals

• Perform a backhand throw with a wrist snap.
• Control force according to target distance.
• Learn about and value a traditional rural sport event.

Equipment for a class of 25

• berets (or soft cloth caps): 12
• hoops: 12
• cones: 44
• measuring tape: 4

Teacher tip

If you have no berets, old soft fabric caps without a stiff brim work. A common mistake is throwing overhand, so keep cueing the flat backhand.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary