One-Hand Bounce: Day Hand and Night Hand
With a sun sticker on one hand and a moon on the other, children bounce the ball with one hand only, the day hand or the night hand as the teacher calls, first standing still and then walking. It works on one-hand dribbling, controlling force and using both hands.
How to play
- Put the sun sticker on the back of one hand and the moon sticker on the other (1 min).
- Bounce with both hands and catch; then push the ball down with the sun hand and catch with both (2 min).
- Standing still, bounce several times in a row with the sun hand; if it gets away, catch it and start again (2 min).
- "Nighttime!": now with the moon hand (2 min).
- Walking slowly, bounce with whichever hand the teacher calls (3 min).
- Challenge: how many bounces in a row can I do with each hand? Count out loud (2 min).
Rules
- I push the ball with an open hand, no slapping.
- I bounce with the hand the teacher says.
- If the ball gets away, I walk to get it.
Variations
Easier
For 4-year-olds, one bounce with one hand and a two-hand catch each time.
Standard
For 5-year-olds, two or three bounces in a row with one hand, standing still.
Harder
For confident 5-year-olds, bouncing while walking and switching hands on a clap.
Adaptations
- Less dexterity: a bigger, slightly less inflated ball that doesn't get away as easily.
- Limited mobility: bounce beside the wheelchair, at about wheel height.
- Visual impairment: a ball with a bell, and the teacher says "sun" or "moon" while touching that hand.
Learning goals
- Bounce a ball with one hand.
- Use both hands, not just the dominant one.
- Control the force of the bounce.
Equipment for a class of 25
- medium balls: 25
- sun and moon stickers: 50
Teacher tip
The ball should bounce up to the child's waist; if it's small or flat, it won't work. Keep saying "push" with an open hand: the typical mistake is slapping at the ball.
PatioLab has "One-Hand Bounce: Day Hand and Night Hand" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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