Paddle Tap Challenge: Waiter to Juggler
Each student works through levels of ball control with a paddle, from carrying the ball still like a waiter to tapping it up while alternating paddle faces. The activity builds striking with an implement, force control, and personal progress through challenges.
How to play
- Each student takes a paddle and a ball and finds personal space, at least 6 feet from others (1 min).
- Level 1, Waiter: carry the ball balanced on the paddle while walking to a cone 30 feet away and back (3 min).
- Level 2, Dribbler: bounce the ball on the ground with the paddle; challenge is 10 bounces in a row (3 min).
- Level 3, Popper: tap the ball upward to face height; challenge is 10 in a row (3 min).
- Level 4, Juggler: tap the ball alternating the front and back of the paddle; challenge is 8 in a row (4 min).
- Last 4 minutes: each student works at their own level and, after passing a challenge, shows the teacher or a classmate to move up.
Rules
- Strike gently: the ball should not go higher than your head.
- If the ball gets away, walk to get it while watching for classmates.
- Always keep the paddle in your hand; never throw it.
- Everyone moves at their own pace; this isn't a race against others.
Variations
Easier
Use a balloon or a foam ball, which move more slowly.
Standard
Play with a tennis ball and the challenge at each level.
Harder
Tap while walking along a line or turning in a circle between taps.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student does levels 2 to 4 seated, with a short-handled paddle if easier.
- Hearing impairment: post picture cards of each level on the wall for students to check.
- Lower skill level: the student does half the number of taps and uses a soft ball.
Learning goals
- Control striking force with a paddle.
- Keep the paddle face level and eyes on the ball.
- Meet progressive personal challenges.
Equipment for a class of 25
- paddles: 25
- tennis balls: 30
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Remind students to hold the paddle with a "shake hands" grip, not up by the face. Tape a card with all levels to the wall so students know their challenge without having to ask you.
PatioLab has "Paddle Tap Challenge: Waiter to Juggler" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.
4v3 Soccer Counterattack Game
Four attackers try to score on a goal guarded by three defenders, who counterattack toward two small cone goals if they win the ball.
Accuracy Circuit with Cloth Targets
Accuracy stations with cloth targets on the floor and on the wall, where students toss bean bags and score points by ring.
Adapted Beach Handball
An adapted beach handball game with a soft ball: no dribbling, three steps with the ball, and double points for spectacular goals such as jump or spin shots.
Adapted Gaelic Football
A school version of Irish Gaelic football that blends hands and feet: players may run with the ball, hand-pass it with a fist, and kick for goal.
Adapted Speedball
Speedball is an American invasion game that blends soccer and team handball: a ball on the ground is played with the feet, and a ball lifted by the foot into the hands…