Chase the Runaway Ball

In groups of five, children wait sitting on a line facing forward while the teacher rolls balls from behind them; as soon as they see their ball go by, they get up and run to stop it before a line. It practices reacting to a moving visual cue and running to chase.

How to play

1. Chalk a start line and, about 25 feet ahead, a finish line; children wait in groups of five sitting on the start line (2 min).
2. Slow try: from behind, the teacher rolls a ball slowly past one child; as soon as they see it, they get up and stop it with their hands (3 min).
3. Now the teacher rolls five balls, one per child, but not all at once: each child goes when they see theirs roll by (3 min).
4. Change the waiting position: kneeling, lying on the tummy with chin in hands, or squatting (3 min).
5. Children who stopped a ball roll it back to the teacher and cheer on the next group (1 min).

Rules

• I go only when I see my ball roll by.
• I stop it with my hands, no kicking.
• I run on my side without crossing in front of anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair waits already facing forward and stops the ball with a pool noodle.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside; a buddy says "Go!" as it rolls by.
• More skilled: roll their ball harder or farther away so they have to run more.

Learning goals

• React to an object appearing in the field of vision.
• Take off from different positions to reach an object.
• Stop a rolling ball with the hands.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Balls: 5
• Chalk: 1

Teacher tip

Leave wide spaces between children so the balls don't cross. Always roll from behind and slightly to the side, never over their heads.

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