Shoot into the Laundry Basket

Laundry baskets set on chairs become kid-height basketball hoops, and children shoot soft balls overhand into them. They practice throwing with height, the arc of the ball, and waiting their turn.

How to play

1. We watch how big kids shoot baskets and copy it with a pretend two-handed shot (1 min).
2. We put the baskets on the chairs and form four short lines in front (2 min).
3. We shoot with both hands from the chest, like the big kids (4 min).
4. We try one hand, throwing up high like a rainbow (4 min).
5. We put the baskets on the floor, toss all the balls in, and carry them back in pairs (2 min).

Rules

• I throw up high, like a rainbow.
• I wait behind the mark until the kid in front picks up their ball.
• I don't climb on the chair.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: place the basket on a table beside them at the right height.
• Visual impairment: the teacher taps the basket so they can hear where it is.
• Less dexterity: use a bigger, lighter ball, like a beach ball.

Learning goals

• Throw overhand with height.
• Adjust a throw to a basket.
• Respect the line and taking turns.

Equipment for a class of 25

• laundry baskets: 4
• chairs: 4
• soft balls: 25

Teacher tip

Set the chairs with their backs against the wall so they don't tip, and check that they're steady. Remind kids the ball goes up and then comes down: trace the rainbow with a finger before throwing.

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