Racket Golf around the Playground

A golf course around the playground played with rackets instead of clubs: in groups, each player hits a ball with a bounce until it lands in a hoop 'hole' in as few strokes as possible. Students work on controlling force, accuracy, and judging distance.

How to play

1. Set up a 6-hole course: for each hole, a starting cone with a numbered card and, 25 to 50 ft away, a hoop on the ground as the hole; some holes have a cone obstacle (5 min before class).
2. Make 6 groups of 4 and send each group to a different starting hole so everyone begins at once (2 min).
3. Each player bounces the ball and hits it from the cone; after that, they hit from wherever the ball stopped, letting it bounce first (or hitting it rolling if it has stopped).
4. A hole is done when the ball stays inside the hoop or hits the rim and drops in; record each player's strokes (6 max per hole) (13 min).
5. On the signal, all groups move to the next hole at the same time, even if not everyone has finished.

Rules

• The player farthest from the hole goes first.
• No one hits while a teammate is in front or picking up a ball.
• Safety: underhand strokes only, racket never above the shoulder, and groups wait behind the starting cone.
• There is a 6-stroke limit per hole so groups don't get stuck.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student hits from a closer tee and a teammate brings the ball back if it ends up hard to reach.
• Autism: hand out a simple course map and give a countdown before each hole change.
• Advanced level: the final stroke must drop in without touching the rim.

Learning goals

• Adjust striking force to the distance.
• Aim the ball accurately at a target on the ground.
• Take turns and keep score honestly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 25
• tennis balls: 25
• hoops: 6
• cones: 18
• cards: 6

Teacher tip

Set up the course before class to save time. On windy days skip shuttles; tennis balls work well outdoors.

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