Hoop Toss Up: Clap and Spin Before the Catch
Each student tosses their hoop straight up, rhythmic gymnastics style, and does an action before catching it: claps, touching the floor, or a full turn. Students practice a controlled toss, judging a flight path, and catching a spinning object.
How to play
- Give each student a hoop and have them stand by a cone, with 13 feet between cones in a large space (2 min).
- Basic toss: hold the hoop at the bottom with one hand, toss it straight up to about two heads above you, and catch with both hands; 10 times (3 min).
- Clap challenges: toss and clap 1, 2, or 3 times before the catch; each student picks a number and tries to beat it (4 min).
- Body challenges: toss and touch your knees, squat down, or turn halfway around before catching (4 min).
- Big challenge: toss, spin all the way around, and catch; in pairs, one tosses and the other counts catches out of 5 tries (5 min).
- Wrap-up: each student shows their best challenge to their partner (2 min).
Rules
- Toss only at your own cone, never toward classmates.
- Catch with your hands, not your head or face; if it's off, let it drop.
- Toss straight up so the hoop doesn't travel forward.
- Wait for the hoop to stop rolling before you pick it up.
Variations
Easier
Toss lower and catch after one clap.
Standard
Clap and body challenges with tosses two heads high.
Harder
Toss with a backspin or catch the hoop by sliding it onto your arm.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: toss while seated and catch after claps or a torso twist.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored hoop or one with reflective tape and toss lower.
- Skill level: students who can't catch the hoop yet practice the toss with a foam hoop or a big ball.
Learning goals
- Toss a hoop straight up to a consistent height.
- Judge flight time to fit an action in before the catch.
- Meet personal challenges of increasing difficulty.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 25
- cones: 25
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is throwing with the whole arm so the hoop travels forward; ask students to finish with the arm reaching toward the ceiling. Use a big space because dropped hoops roll a long way.
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