Drop Anchor in the Hoop

Pirates drop anchor (a beanbag) into hoops, the harbors where their ship docks, using an underhand toss from farther and farther away. They practice aimed throwing and choosing a challenge that fits them.

How to play

1. The teacher places the hoop-harbors at different distances from a starting line and each pirate grabs an anchor (2 min).
2. Practice the toss: swing the arm back like a pendulum, release the anchor underhand and send it to the nearest hoop (2 min).
3. Each pirate chooses a harbor and, if the anchor lands inside, shouts "Anchored!" (3 min).
4. Try with the other hand and from farther away (2 min).
5. Ship on the move: walk as if on a rocking ship and, on "Anchor!", toss into the closest hoop (2 min).
6. Collect the anchors and carry them to the ship's hold (1 min).

Rules

• I toss underhand, not hard.
• I only collect anchors when the teacher says "To the beach!"
• Every pirate chooses their own harbor.
• If it doesn't land inside, I just toss again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: toss from the wheelchair with closer hoops, or slide the beanbag down a cardboard ramp.
• Visual impairment: an adult jingles a bell at the hoop before each toss.
• More advanced: a smaller hoop, or an overhead toss with back turned.

Learning goals

• Throw underhand with accuracy.
• Adjust throwing force to the distance.
• Choose a challenge at their own level.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beanbags: 25
• Hoops: 6

Teacher tip

Mark the throwing line with chalk or a rope so nobody creeps forward. The usual mistake is heaving the beanbag high and hard; model the "pendulum" and release while looking at the hoop.

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