Fistball: Punch-and-Bounce Net Game
A school version of fistball (faustball), a net game where the ball is struck with a fist or forearm and may bounce once before each touch. Students practice striking with the fist, adjusting to the bounce, and building a play in three touches.
How to play
- Set up 3 courts, 25 × 50 ft, with a rope at about 5 feet tied to two poles in cones across the middle. Form 6 teams of 4 (one of 5) and demo striking with a closed fist or forearm (3 min).
- Partner practice (4 min): strike the ball over the rope with a fist, letting it bounce once before each hit.
- Game: each team gets up to 3 touches, and the ball may bounce once on the floor before each touch. Serve by striking the ball with a fist from the end line.
- A point is scored when the ball bounces twice in a row, goes out, touches the rope, or fails to cross. Games to 11 points or 6 minutes.
- Play 2 games against different opponents (14 min), then wrap up by discussing which touch is best for attacking (3 min).
Rules
- Strike only with one fist or forearm; no open hands and no feet.
- No player may touch the ball twice in a row.
- No stepping onto the other side and no touching the rope.
- Safety: call "Mine!" and make a fist with the thumb outside, never tucked inside.
Variations
Easier
Allow two bounces before each touch and lower the rope to 4 feet.
Standard
Three touches, one bounce before each touch, and the rope at about 5 feet.
Harder
The third touch must be a downward attack from behind a line 10 feet from the rope.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: may play seated near the rope with two bounces allowed.
- Visual impairment: use a slightly larger, bright ball, and teammates call out.
- Lower skill level: may strike with both hands clasped together, like a volleyball bump.
Learning goals
- Strike the ball with a fist or forearm with control.
- Adjust position to the bounce of the ball.
- Build a three-touch play with teammates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft volleyballs: 6
- long ropes: 3
- poles: 6
- cones: 18
Teacher tip
Use a soft or foam volleyball, slightly underinflated, so striking with a fist doesn't hurt. The sport is very popular in Germany and Brazil, and the allowed bounce helps less skilled students succeed quickly.
PatioLab has "Fistball: Punch-and-Bounce Net Game" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River
One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.
1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels
In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.
2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter
Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.
2v1 Attack Waves to Mini Goals
Two attackers take on one defender and try to score on a small goal in under 10 seconds.
3v1 Basketball Keep-Away Squares
In coned squares, three players pass the ball without dribbling while one defender in the middle tries to intercept.
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.