Bouncing Through the Puddles

Hoops are puddles along a path, and at each puddle children bounce the ball inside it with both hands and catch it before walking on. It builds two-handed bouncing and catching, especially for 5-year-olds.

How to play

1. Lay out five paths of hoops (puddles) on the ground; each child takes a medium ball (2 min).
2. First, standing still: drop the ball in front of you and catch it with both hands after it bounces (2 min).
3. Walk the path: at each puddle, stop, bounce the ball inside and catch it with both hands (4 min).
4. Now at each puddle push the ball down hard so it goes up high, and catch it by making a basket with your hands (3 min).
5. The paths cross: in puddles of different colors, bounce once or twice (3 min).
6. Sit down and everyone shows their best bounce and catch (1 min).

Rules

• The ball bounces inside the puddle.
• Catch with both hands, like a basket.
• If it gets away, pick it up and go back to your puddle without rushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair bounces the ball into a hoop placed beside the wheel, and a classmate retrieves it if it rolls away.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell or high-contrast color and puddles with a raised edge (thick rope).
• Lower skill: use a bigger, slightly deflated ball that bounces less and is easier to catch.

Learning goals

• Bounce a ball with both hands inside a space.
• Catch a rising ball with both hands after a bounce.
• Combine moving around with ball handling.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Medium rubber balls: 25
• Hoops: 25

Teacher tip

A typical mistake is catching with stiff, straight arms: ask for “basket hands and soft elbows.” Space the paths well apart so runaway balls don't roll into someone else's path.

More main activities for Elementary