Cardboard Boomerangs: Throw, Return, and Catch

An intro to boomerang throwing with three-blade cardstock models that are prepped in class and thrown in the gym so they curve back and are caught with a clap. Students work on throwing technique, tracking curved flight paths, and hand-eye coordination.

How to play

1. Hand out precut three-blade cardstock boomerangs about 20 cm (8 in) across; each student bends the edge of each blade slightly up, like an airplane wing (3 min).
2. Technique (3 min): pinch one blade between thumb and index finger with the curved side facing you, hold it nearly vertical and tilted about 20 degrees outward, and throw forward at eye level with a flick of the wrist.
3. Free practice (5 min): in rows 3 m apart, everyone facing the same wall; if it doesn't come back, adjust the tilt or the bend of the blades.
4. Sandwich catch (4 min): as the boomerang returns and slows down, trap it between both palms, one on top and one underneath.
5. Partner challenge (5 min): from a hoop on the floor, sets of ten throws: 1 point if it returns within 2 m of the hoop and 2 points for a catch.

Rules

• Everyone throws in the same direction, and no one crosses in front of another row.
• Safety: throw at eye level and never toward a classmate.
• Boomerangs that land far away are collected on the signal, all at once.
• If a boomerang gets bent, straighten it before throwing again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throws seated, a partner brings the boomerang back, and returns within 3 m score.
• Autism: gets a pre-bent boomerang and sees the technique modeled in three steps.
• Advanced level: tries four-blade boomerangs or two catches in a row without leaving the hoop.

Learning goals

• Throw an object with controlled spin and tilt.
• Anticipate a curved return path.
• Catch a moving object with both hands.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cardstock: 7
• hoops: 13

Teacher tip

Cut the boomerangs before class: one sheet of heavy cardstock makes four. If they don't return, it's almost always because they're thrown flat like a disc; insist on a nearly vertical release.

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