Partner Wall Ball
In pairs facing a wall, students take turns throwing the ball against the wall while their partner catches it after one bounce. The activity builds aimed throwing, reading the rebound, and two-handed catching, with constant role switches and no waiting.
How to play
- Draw a chalk line on the wall 3 feet high and a line on the ground 10 feet from the wall; each pair gets about 6 feet of wall (2 min).
- Round 1 (3 min): one student throws two-handed above the wall line and the partner catches the ball after one bounce; switch roles every 5 throws.
- Round 2 (3 min): alternate throws without stopping; whoever catches throws next from where they caught it.
- Round 3 (3 min): throw one-handed overhand and count how many catches in a row the pair makes.
- Final challenge (4 min): the pair tries to beat its record for catches in a row; if the ball drops, the count resets but play continues.
Rules
- The ball must hit the wall above the chalk line.
- Only one bounce is allowed before the catch.
- Each pair stays on its own section of wall and retrieves without crossing into the next one.
- Throw only when your partner is looking and ready.
Variations
Easier
Throw from 6 feet away and allow two bounces.
Standard
Throw from 10 feet and catch after one bounce.
Harder
Catch with no bounce, or clap before catching.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws and catches seated closer to the wall, with a bigger ball.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored ball or one with bells, and the partner says "Ready!" on each throw.
- Advanced students: they aim at a chalk target on the wall so the ball comes back to a specific spot.
Learning goals
- Throw the ball at the wall with just enough force to reach a partner.
- Judge the rebound and get in position to catch.
- Switch roles with a partner in an orderly way.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bouncy soft balls: 13
- sidewalk chalk: 4
Teacher tip
If students throw too hard, the ball flies over their partner; cue "throw at the wall like a pass." Put the most skilled pairs at the ends, where space is tighter.
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