Corner Two-Wall Handball
A 1-on-1 handball game in a corner of the playground where both walls are in play: the soft ball must reach the front wall on every shot. Students practice reading ball paths, moving laterally, and making quick decisions.
How to play
- Find corners of the playground or gym with two smooth walls; chalk a 16-by-16-foot court on the ground out from the corner and a line 16 inches up the front wall.
- Make groups of 3 per corner: two play while the third referees and waits; give 3 minutes to try free rebounds off both walls.
- Serve with an open hand off one bounce: the ball must hit the front wall above the line first and may then carom off the side wall.
- During the rally, a shot may hit the side wall first, but it must reach the front wall without touching the ground; the receiver plays it off one bounce or on the fly.
- You win the point when your opponent cannot return the ball; games go to 7 points or 4 minutes, and the winner stays on.
- Rotate after each game: the loser becomes the referee and the referee steps in to play, so in 17 minutes of play everyone plays at least 4 games.
Rules
- Always strike the ball with a relaxed open hand, never a fist.
- If your opponent is in the path of your shot, hold up and call for a replay.
- Nobody stands within 3 feet of the side wall when the opponent is hitting toward it.
Variations
Easier
Play with the front wall only and allow two bounces.
Standard
Play with both walls, one bounce, and games to 7 with a rotating referee.
Harder
The return of serve must hit the side wall before the front wall.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play two-bounce rules and cut the court in half for the student with mobility needs.
- Autism or shyness: start the student as the referee so they can watch the game before playing.
- Fitness or skill level: students who tire sooner play games to 5 and rest while refereeing.
Learning goals
- Anticipate the path of the ball after it rebounds off two walls.
- Use lateral shuffles to get into a good position to hit.
- Take on the referee role respectfully and accept its calls.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 9
- chalk: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Check beforehand that the walls have no ledges or low windows. At first the ball comes off at sharp angles, so ask players to return to the middle of the court after every shot.
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