Clean Your Room Over the Net

Two teams on opposite sides of a low net throw foam balls into the other side, trying to leave their own side as empty as possible when the whistle blows. Students practice high throws over a net, reaction and teamwork.

How to play

1. Set a low net or rope about 5 ft high across the middle of the gym and spread 30 foam balls between both sides. Make two mixed teams (2 min).
2. Everyone starts touching the back wall. On the whistle, students run, grab balls and throw them over the net.
3. Each round lasts 90 seconds. On the final whistle, drop your ball and count each side's balls out loud; the side with fewer wins.
4. Play 4 rounds with 30 seconds of rest between them (9 min). In rounds 3 and 4, throw with the non-dominant hand or with a two-hand overhead throw.
5. Finish by having each team collect balls and discuss which strategy worked best (2 min).

Rules

• Throw only over the net, carrying one ball at a time.
• Anything thrown after the final whistle doesn't count.
• Safety: stay at least 3 ft from the net and throw into space, never at someone's face.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a partner brings balls to a fixed spot where the student throws.
• Hearing impairment: also signal start and stop by raising a pinnie.
• Fitness level: a student who needs a break can be the team counter for a round.

Learning goals

• Throw with a high arc to clear the net.
• React and move quickly to balls in motion.
• Work with the team to cover the whole side.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 30
• low net: 1
• whistle: 1

Teacher tip

Use only soft foam balls and pull any hard rubber ones. Counting out loud with the whole class keeps arguments about the score to a minimum.

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