Different Objects Toss Stations
In groups of five, students rotate through five stations where they toss and catch a different object with a partner: balloon, bean bag, tennis ball, foam football, and flying disc. The activity builds adjusting throws and catches to each object's shape, weight, and speed.
How to play
- Set up five stations, each with equipment in a bin and a picture sign: balloons, bean bags, tennis balls, foam footballs, and flying discs (2 min).
- Make five groups of 5; at each station, students work in pairs or threes about 10 feet apart, tossing and catching the object (1 min to explain).
- Each station has a task: tap the balloon to your partner, toss the bean bag underhand, bounce-pass the tennis ball, throw the foam football with two hands, and send the disc with a backhand roll or short flight.
- Groups spend 3 minutes at each station; on the whistle, they put equipment back in the bin and rotate clockwise to the next station (15 min).
- Wrap-up (2 min): in a circle, each student shares which object was easiest to catch, which was hardest, and why.
Rules
- All pairs at a station throw in the same direction.
- Equipment stays at its station and goes back in the bin before rotating.
- Toss gently to your partner's hands, never at the face.
- On the whistle, everyone stops and holds their object.
Variations
Easier
At every station, a bounce is allowed, or students can pick up a dropped object and keep going.
Standard
Toss and catch each object from 10 feet using the station task.
Harder
Throw with the non-dominant hand and catch with one hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student does each station seated while the partner adjusts the distance; at the disc station, the disc is rolled on the floor.
- Autism: picture signs and a fixed rotation order show what's coming next; give a one-minute warning before each switch.
- Advanced students: at each station, the partner steps back after every five good catches.
Learning goals
- Adjust a throw to each object's weight and shape.
- Catch objects with different flight paths and speeds.
- Explain which object is easier or harder to control.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 6
- bean bags: 6
- tennis balls: 6
- foam footballs: 3
- flying discs: 3
Teacher tip
Put the balloon station in the most sheltered spot and give the disc station the most room. Place exactly the right equipment in each bin so items don't get mixed between stations.
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