Seated Target Passing: Calm Accuracy With the Oval Ball

In groups of four sitting in a circle around a hoop, students pass the rugby ball with two hands so it bounces inside the hoop and reaches a teammate. It fine-tunes passing control while the body recovers.

How to play

1. Sit in a circle of four around a hoop, about 2 m away (1 min).
2. Bounce pass into the hoop to the teammate across (2 min).
3. Bounce pass to the teammate on your left; the odd bounce keeps everyone alert (2 min).
4. Challenge: count passes in a row without the ball leaving the circle (2 min).
5. Cleanup: each group walks the ball and hoop back to the cart (1 min).

Rules

• Pass seated, with two hands.
• If the ball gets away, the passer walks to get it.
• No jumping up or lunging for the ball.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: play from the chair with the hoop on a low bench, or use direct passes.
• Students with low vision: hoop marked with colored tape and a name call before each pass.
• Students with a hand injury: pass with the healthy hand or roll the ball.

Learning goals

• Control pass strength.
• Calm down with a quiet task.
• Work together toward a shared challenge.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rugby balls: 8
• hula hoops: 8

Teacher tip

The oval ball's bounce is unpredictable and kids find it funny: use that to release tension after the game. Common mistake: passing too hard; ask for a soft, underhand-style toss.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Middle School