Giant Ball Caravan

Two lines of students pass a giant ball overhead, and when it reaches the end, the last student runs to the front so the ball travels down the field to the finish. Students practice cooperation, coordinated passing, and quick reactions.

How to play

1. Make 2 teams of 12-13 in single-file lines, 3 feet apart. A giant ball sits at the front of each line, and the finish line is 90 feet away, marked with cones.
2. The first student lifts the ball and passes it back overhead. Everyone passes it with hands up until it reaches the last student (2 min of practice).
3. The last student holds the ball, runs to the front of the line, and starts the passing again. This way the line moves toward the finish (5 min).
4. Round two: alternate one pass overhead and one pass between the legs (5 min).
5. To finish, the two lines join into one and carry a single ball to the finish and back (3 min).

Rules

• Pass the ball with two hands and look back to receive it.
• Leave 3 feet between classmates so no one bumps heads.
• If the ball drops, the nearest student picks it up and continues from there.
• The lines don't compete: count one total time for the class.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair passes the ball to the side, and a partner runs to the front for them.
• Visual impairment: the student in front says "coming" before passing.
• Fitness level: tired students speed-walk to the front instead of running.

Learning goals

• Coordinate chain passes with classmates.
• React quickly when changing positions.
• Work together to reach a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• giant ball: 2
• cones: 6

Teacher tip

If you don't have a giant ball, use a large beach ball or stability ball. Remind runners to go along the side of the line without cutting through it.

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