Ice Cream Cone Ball Pass
Each student holds a cone upside down like an ice cream cone, with a tennis ball on top as the scoop, then travels and passes the ball to other cones without touching it with their hands. Students work on balancing objects, controlled movement, and accuracy.
How to play
- Give each student a cone and a tennis ball; hold the cone by the tip with the open end up and set the ball on top (1 min).
- Ice cream truck walk: walk around the blacktop without dropping the scoop, switching hands on each whistle; then move to a light jog (2 min).
- Scoop flip: pop the ball up a few inches with a small lift of the cone and catch it in the same cone; 10 tries (1 min).
- Partner pass: standing three feet apart, one partner tips the cone so the ball rolls into the other's cone; take a step back after every 3 successful passes (2 min).
- Ice cream chain: in lines of 5, the ball goes cone to cone to the last person, who runs to the front and starts again; each group counts its complete cycles (2 min).
Rules
- Only touch the ball with your hand to pick it up off the ground.
- Pass gently and from close range.
- When jogging, watch where you are going and give others space.
- If the scoop drops, pick it up and keep going from where you were.
Variations
Easier
Use a small foam ball, which is steadier, and walk.
Standard
Jog and pass the ball at three feet.
Harder
Toss the ball into a partner's cone from six feet, or do the chain while moving sideways.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: take part seated or in a wheelchair, passing to classmates who gather around.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored ball on a contrasting cone and say "Here it comes!" before each pass.
- Skill level: students who have it down carry two cones, one in each hand; students who struggle hold the cone with both hands.
Learning goals
- Balance an object while moving.
- Adjust force and angle to pass accurately.
- Work together in a calm passing chain.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cones: 25
- Tennis balls: 25
Teacher tip
Use tall cones, not flat disc cones: the ball has to sit snugly in the open end. Naming the ball colors after ice cream flavors really motivates younger students.
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