Step on the Ball's Shadow
On a sunny playground, in pairs, one child rolls or bounces a ball and the other tries to step on its shadow, not the ball. It works on eye-foot coordination and anticipation.
How to play
- Each pair with a ball discovers that the ball has a shadow too; leave it still and step on the shadow with one foot, then the other (2 min).
- One partner rolls the ball very slowly while the other walks beside it trying to step on its shadow as it rolls (3 min).
- Switch roles (3 min).
- Bounce the ball hard: the shadow jumps toward the ball and pulls apart; try to step on it right as the ball bounces (2 min).
- Together: one rolls the ball to the other and both chase its shadow along the way until the ball arrives (2 min).
Rules
- Step on the shadow, not the ball, because it slips.
- Roll slowly so your friend can keep up.
- Each pair stays in its own area.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the ball sits still or the teacher rolls it very slowly, and they step with both feet.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, roll and step in pairs and switch roles.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, try the bounce shadow and step with whichever foot the partner calls.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: they “step” on the shadow with a wheel or a pool noodle.
- Visual impairment: a ball with a bell and low sun for big shadows; the partner calls “Now!”
- Less skilled children: a big, light ball that casts a big shadow and rolls more slowly.
Learning goals
- Coordinate eyes with foot movement.
- Anticipate where the shadow is going.
- Take turns with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Soft rubber balls: 13
Teacher tip
It works best with low sun, when the ball’s shadow lands well away from it. The usual mistake is stepping on the ball and slipping: do an exaggerated demo of “not the ball, the shadow!”
PatioLab has "Step on the Ball's Shadow" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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