Chair-Leg Goals for the Ball

Chairs spread out around the space are little goals, and children roll their ball with their hands so it passes between the two front chair legs. It works on aim, hand-eye coordination and controlling force.

How to play

1. Spread the chairs out facing different ways and each child takes a ball (1 min).
2. The teacher demonstrates: kneel or squat two steps away and push the ball along the floor so it rolls between the front legs (2 min).
3. Each child rolls through as many goals as they can, picking up their ball on the other side (3 min).
4. Switch it up: roll with your other hand, then gently with one foot (3 min).
5. In pairs: one on each side of a chair, pass the ball through the goal without touching the legs (2 min).
6. Roll the balls into a box from far away to clean up (1 min).

Rules

• The ball rolls along the floor, never through the air.
• I wait if another child is at my goal.
• I walk to get my ball and don't dive under the chair.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: from their wheelchair, uses a pool noodle or cardboard ramp to push the ball.
• Visual impairment: a ball with a bell inside, and a buddy taps the chair so they know where it is.
• Less skilled children: a bigger ball and a wider goal made of two chairs set apart.

Learning goals

• Improve aim by rolling a ball.
• Control how hard they push.
• Coordinate eyes and hands.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Chairs: 25
• Soft balls: 25

Teacher tip

Chairs must sit firmly on the floor without wobbling. If balls keep ending up under the tables, block those gaps with benches or a row of backpacks.

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