Kangaroo Ball Squeeze Hop
Kangaroos jump with feet together while squeezing a foam ball between their knees and must carry it to their pouch without dropping it. It works on two-foot jumping, leg coordination and strength in a small-team game with lots of repetitions.
How to play
- Make 6 teams of 4 in lines behind a cone; place a hoop (the kangaroo pouch) about 25 feet in front of each line.
- Practice (3 min): everyone jumps in place and then travels a few yards with the ball between the knees.
- Game (6 min): the first student jumps to the hoop, drops the ball in, runs back and high-fives the next, who goes to get the ball and jumps back with it.
- Each full trip scores a point; if the ball drops, pick it up and continue from that spot.
- New challenge (5 min): jump in a zigzag through 3 cones, or in pairs holding hands, each with a ball.
Rules
- Move only by jumping with feet together.
- Do not hold the ball with your hands while jumping.
- Wait behind the cone until your teammate gives you a high five.
- Land with bent knees to protect your joints.
Variations
Easier
Use about 15 feet and a bigger ball, or jump without a ball.
Standard
There and back over 25 feet with a foam ball between the knees.
Harder
Zigzag course and jumping backward on the way back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: carry the ball on the lap in a wheelchair, or sit on the floor holding it with the feet and scoot along.
- Hearing impairment: use a visible high five for the tag-off and a raised arm to start.
- Fitness level: tired students may take small steps with the ball between the knees.
Learning goals
- Jump on two feet continuously and with coordination.
- Hold an object between the legs while moving.
- Take turns and follow team game rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam balls: 12
- cones: 18
- hoops: 6
Teacher tip
Teams of 4 keep waiting time very short. If competition gets heated, add every team's points to one class scoreboard.
PatioLab has "Kangaroo Ball Squeeze Hop" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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