Knock It Off the Cone Throw
A team target game where students throw a soft ball overhand to knock tennis balls off cones set at different distances. Students practice aiming at a small target, choosing a distance, and retrieving equipment in an orderly way.
How to play
- Form 4 teams of 6 and set a throwing line and 6 tall cones with a tennis ball on top in front of each team: two at 4 m, two at 6 m, and two at 8 m (3 min).
- Demo: stand sideways to the target, arm back with a high elbow, step with the opposite foot, and finish with the hand pointing at the cone (1 min).
- Each team has 8 soft balls; students throw one at a time and choose which cone to aim for; knocking off a ball at 4 m is worth 1 point, at 6 m 2 points, and at 8 m 3 points (5 min).
- When the balls run out, two retrievers walk out to collect them, put the tennis balls back on the cones, and switch roles with two teammates (3 min).
- 2-minute final round: the first team to knock off all 6 tennis balls earns 5 bonus points (2 min).
- Tally the points and put the equipment away (1 min).
Rules
- Throw only from behind the line.
- Nobody retrieves until the team has thrown every ball.
- If the cone falls but the tennis ball stays on, no point.
- Each student throws once per turn and goes to the back of the line.
Variations
Easier
Place cones at 2, 3, and 4 m and allow underhand throws.
Standard
Place cones at 4, 6, and 8 m and throw overhand.
Harder
Throw with the non-dominant hand at the 4 m cones, or use shorter cones.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: throw from a closer line of their own or while seated; their hits earn the same points.
- Students with visual impairments: replace the target with a can holding bells that rings when it falls, and a partner guides them by voice.
- Fitness or skill level: the most accurate throwers may aim only at the 8 m cones; beginners may take one step closer.
Learning goals
- Throw overhand at a small target.
- Choose a distance that matches their own accuracy.
- Help retrieve and reset the equipment.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 32
- cones: 28
- tennis balls: 24
Teacher tip
Many kids throw too hard without looking; remind them the winning hand finishes pointing at the cone. Space the teams 4 m apart so the balls do not get mixed up.
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