Ringo Ring Toss Net Game
An alternative net sport from Poland in which a rubber ring is thrown over a high net and the opponent must catch it with one hand and throw it back from where they caught it. Students work on flat throwing, one-handed catching and finding open space on the other side.
How to play
- Use a volleyball court or a 30 x 60 ft area with the net at about 8 ft; otherwise raise a badminton net to its highest setting. Teams of 2 or 3 per side, with games running on several courts (2 min).
- Technique: throw the ring flat, spinning like a disc, and catch it with one hand. 4-minute cooperative rally counting catches in a row.
- Game: serve from behind the end line. Win the point if the ring lands on the other side, if the opponent catches with two hands, holds it more than 3 seconds or throws it out.
- Whoever catches the ring must throw it from that spot without taking steps. Games to 15 with the serve rotating on every point won (9 min).
- Switch opponents halfway and wrap up by discussing where catches are hardest: at the feet, at the opposite shoulder or far from the body (3 min).
Rules
- The ring must fly flat; throwing it on edge or vertically is a point for the opponent.
- Don't touch the net, and never throw at an opponent who isn't looking.
- Catching on the run is allowed, but stop before throwing.
Variations
Easier
Allow two-handed catches and one step before throwing.
Standard
One-handed catch and throw from the catching spot.
Harder
Play with two rings at once, and each player may hold only one.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays a 10 x 10 ft personal zone next to the net and may catch with two hands.
- Visual impairment: use a fluorescent ring, a shorter court and a verbal call on each throw.
- Advanced players: may only throw with the non-dominant hand.
Learning goals
- Throw the ring flat and accurately into open space.
- Catch one-handed on the move and return it without stepping.
- Learn about an alternative net sport and where it comes from.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Ringo rings: 8
- nets: 3
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
If you don't have Ringo rings, any rubber rings about 7 in across will work. The most common mistake is throwing without spin, which makes the ring drop; teach the wrist snap used for a flying disc.
PatioLab has "Ringo Ring Toss Net Game" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for High School
10-20-30 interval running in pairs
The 10-20-30 method strings together 30 seconds of easy jogging, 20 at a moderate pace and 10 at top speed, in five-minute blocks.
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce.
2-on-2 Volleyball with Blocker Hand Signals
2-on-2 volleyball modeled on beach doubles: the net player uses hand signals behind their back to tell their partner which area they will block and which the partner…
4-on-4 Volleyball with a Setter and Outside Attack
Small-court 4-on-4 games where each team has a setter at the net and builds the pass-set-hit sequence toward the outside hitter.
4x50 Relay: Blind Handoff in the Exchange Zone
Teams of four learn to pass the baton without looking inside an exchange zone marked with cones, with the receiver taking off at speed so no time is lost.
Acrosport Flow: Linked Stunt Transitions
Groups of four link three simple acrosport stunts, moving from one to the next without fully coming down, with safe builds and dismounts.