Cooperative Giant Ball Keep-Up
A cooperative game with a giant ball where each group tries to keep it in the air for as many consecutive hits as possible, with rules that make sure everyone takes part. It builds cooperation, anticipation, and whole-body striking as a lead-up to Kin-Ball.
How to play
- Split the gym into two zones with cones and form 2 groups of 12 or 13, one per zone, each with a giant ball. If you only have one, groups take turns every 3 minutes.
- Round 1 (4 min): the whole group in a circle. Hit the ball upward with arms, hands, or back, never catching it, and count consecutive hits out loud before it touches the floor.
- Round 2 (4 min): nobody may hit twice in a row, and you call the name of the person you're sending it to before you hit.
- Round 3 (4 min): only body parts the teacher calls count: 'arms', 'back', 'gentle head', or 'knees'.
- Round 4 (4 min): group record. Each hit by someone who hasn't touched it yet counts double. At the end, the group checks whether everyone touched it.
- Each round ends with 20 seconds for the group to agree on one improvement (widen the circle, call louder).
Rules
- Never catch the ball: hit only.
- Call out before moving toward the ball so nobody collides.
- No pushing or knocking anyone down to reach it.
- Headers are soft and with the forehead only.
Variations
Easier
Allow one bounce on the floor between hits.
Standard
Consecutive hits with no bounce and no repeat hitter.
Harder
Set a fixed hitting order or play with two giant balls at once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play from a wheelchair in the center of the circle, with the group sending the ball over every four hits.
- Visual impairment: the neighbor calls out when the ball is coming down toward them.
- Shyness: give each student a set spot in the circle so they know when it's their turn.
Learning goals
- Work together to keep the ball up with everyone involved.
- Anticipate the path of a large, slow object.
- Communicate with teammates to organize the game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- giant ball: 2
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Inflate the ball so it gives a little when pressed: too firm and it bounces too much. Celebrate out loud when the record falls with more students involved.
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