Partner Towel Toss
In pairs, students hold a towel by its four corners to launch a ball into the air and catch it again, then send it to another pair's towel. The activity builds coordination with a partner, force control, and catching an object with a shared implement.
How to play
- Give each pair a towel (or a 3 x 3-foot piece of fabric) and a foam ball; each partner holds two corners (2 min).
- Practice in place: with the ball in the middle, lower the towel and snap it up together to launch the ball and catch it again; count catches in a row (4 min).
- Height challenge: launch a little higher each time without dropping the ball; count "one, two, go!" to snap together (3 min).
- Two pairs join up 10 feet apart: one launches the ball with its towel and the other catches it with theirs; 10 sends, then switch to a new pair (5 min).
- Circle finale (4 min): four or five pairs in a circle send the ball from towel to towel and count passes in a row without a drop.
Rules
- Always hold the towel with both hands and never let go.
- Launch together, using the countdown.
- Watch the ball, not the towel, to get under it.
- Pairs move by walking so no one trips.
Variations
Easier
Launch only in place and use balloons, which fall more slowly.
Standard
Launch and catch with a partner, then between two pairs.
Harder
Use two balls at once, or pairs stand 15 feet apart.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student holds two corners while seated, and the partner stands at the same height.
- Hearing impairment: the launch countdown is shown with raised fingers.
- Shyness: the student works with the same trusted partner until the final circle.
Learning goals
- Coordinate movement with a partner to launch and catch.
- Adjust launching force to the distance.
- Work as a group to string passes together without a drop.
Equipment for a class of 25
- towels or fabric pieces: 13
- foam balls: 13
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is partners snapping at different times; insist on counting out loud. Old bath towels work perfectly and are easy to collect from families.
PatioLab has "Partner Towel Toss" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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