Guard the Earth Ball
One team forms a ring of guards around the earth ball and protects it with their bodies and hands, while the other team, from outside a circle, throws foam balls to hit it. Students work on team defense, accurate throwing, and side-to-side footwork.
How to play
- Mark a circle about 25 feet across with cones and place the earth ball in the center on top of a hoop so it doesn't roll (2 min).
- Make two teams with pinnies; the guards stand inside the circle between the line and the ball, and the throwers stand outside with six foam balls (2 min).
- On the whistle, throwers try to hit the earth ball with throws below waist height; guards block with hands, legs, or body without holding the earth ball (4 min).
- Every hit on the earth ball is a point for the throwers; after 90 seconds count the points and switch roles (3 min).
- Throwers pass the balls around the outside of the circle to find an opening; guards must talk to close it (3 min).
- Play three full rounds in each role and note which defense allowed the fewest hits (6 min).
Rules
- Throws always stay below the guards' waists.
- Throwers never step inside the circle; balls left inside are rolled out by a guard.
- Nobody sits or lies on the earth ball.
Variations
Easier
Make the circle bigger and limit the game to four foam balls.
Standard
A 25-foot circle, six balls, and 90-second rounds with a role switch.
Harder
Two guards play with their eyes closed while teammates guide them by voice, or use two earth balls at once.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: may guard from the chair, which acts as a barrier, or throw lighter balls.
- Students with visual impairments: throw a ball with a bell while a partner claps to show where the earth ball is.
- Students with less throwing skill: throw from a cone placed about three feet closer to the circle.
Learning goals
- Organize a ring defense by communicating with teammates.
- Throw accurately by finding gaps in the defense.
- Shuffle quickly side to side to close spaces.
Equipment for a class of 25
- earth ball: 1
- foam balls: 6
- pinnies: 13
- cones: 10
Teacher tip
Guards tend to bunch up on one side, so give each one a fixed section. Make sure the balls are soft foam, since throws come fast and often.
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