Name Juggle: The Group's Web of Balls

The group builds a fixed throwing sequence by calling the name of the receiver, then keeps several balls going at once. Great for learning names at the start of the year and training attention.

How to play

1. Circles of 10 to 12. The ball holder calls the name of someone not next to them and tosses; players who have received cross their arms. Continue until everyone has received and the ball returns to the start (3 min).
2. Repeat the same sequence from memory: each player always throws to the same person and calls their name (2 min).
3. The first thrower adds a second ball, then a third, in the same sequence (2 min).
4. After throwing, each player jogs one lap around the outside of the circle and gets back in time to catch (3 min).

Rules

• Underhand, gentle tosses; say the name before you throw.
• If a ball drops, pick it up and continue from the person who had it, no complaining.
• When jogging around the outside, everyone goes the same direction.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: make eye contact and point with your free hand before throwing.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell and roll it along the floor to the player.
• Shy students may just say the name with no extra introduction.

Learning goals

• Learn classmates' names.
• Keep attention on several balls at once.
• Communicate before acting.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft balls: 9

Teacher tip

Use it in the first week and repeat it with mixed groups. If the sequence keeps breaking, drop back to two balls before frustration sets in.

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