Bouncy Ball Two-Hand Bounce

Each child bounces a big ball with two hands, lets it come back up, and catches it to the beat of the tambourine. Kids practice two-handed bouncing, catching after a bounce, and moving to a steady beat.

How to play

1. Each child stands inside a hoop on the playground with a ball. The hoop is their home (1 min).
2. Demonstrate: drop the ball with two hands inside the hoop, it bounces, and you catch it: "Drop… bounce… catch!" (1 min).
3. Everyone tries in their own hoop to a slow tambourine beat: one tap, one bounce (3 min).
4. Now push the ball down with two hands, a little harder, so it comes up to the tummy or chest (2 min).
5. Bouncy walk: step out of the hoop, bounce once, catch, take two steps, and bounce again. On a double tap, go back home (3 min).
6. Finish: smaller and slower bounces until the ball "falls asleep" in the hoop (2 min).

Rules

• Bounce the ball down; never throw it at anyone.
• If it rolls away, walk to get it.
• On the double tap, go back to your hoop.
• Give friends room.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: from a wheelchair, bounce a high-bouncing ball to one side; a buddy returns it if it gets away.
• Hearing loss: show the beat by raising the tambourine where everyone can see it.
• Skill levels: confident kids use a smaller ball; kids who need support use a slightly deflated beach ball that bounces slowly.

Learning goals

• Bounce a ball with two hands and catch it.
• Match bounces to a simple beat.
• Control the ball while moving.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large balls: 20
• hoops: 20
• tambourine: 1

Teacher tip

Use balls that bounce well but don't sting; check the air before class. One ball per child matters: if you're short, run two groups with a second task alongside.

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