Swinging Hoop Target Throw
A hoop hanging from a rope swings like a pendulum, and students throw beanbags so they pass through it at just the right moment. Students practice throwing accuracy, predicting the path of a moving target, and feeling the rhythm of the swing.
How to play
- Hang four hoops by a rope from the basketball hoops, a high wall bar, or a tight rope between two posts so they sit at chest height. Make four groups of six, one per hoop, with four beanbags per thrower (3 min).
- Phase 1, still hoop (3 min): each thrower tosses four beanbags from 3 m (10 ft). One partner counts hits and another collects beanbags behind the hoop only after everyone has thrown.
- Phase 2, swinging hoop (5 min): a partner gently swings the hoop and steps away. The thrower watches the swing and throws as the hoop reaches the middle. Count the hits.
- Phase 3, count the rhythm (4 min): the thrower says "there, back, now!" with the swing and throws on "now," trying to time the throw with the pendulum.
- Rotation: after each thrower, roles change: thrower, counter, collector, and swinger.
- Final challenge (5 min): each group adds up its hits on the swinging hoop and tries to beat that score in a second round.
Rules
- No one stands behind the hoop while throws are happening.
- Collect beanbags only when the teacher or counter says "collect."
- Swing the hoop side to side and gently, never toward the throwers.
- Throw underhand, without throwing hard.
Variations
Easier
Use a still hoop or a very short swing and throw from 2 m (6 ft).
Standard
Use a gentle swing and throw from 3 m (10 ft).
Harder
Throw a tennis ball from 4 m (13 ft), or swing the hoop forward and back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws from a wheelchair with the hoop hung lower.
- Blind or low vision: a partner claps each time the hoop passes the middle, and a larger hoop is used.
- Higher-skilled students: they throw with the non-dominant hand or after a full spin.
Learning goals
- Throw accurately at a moving target.
- Anticipate when the target will pass a certain point.
- Match the throw to the rhythm of a swing.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 4
- ropes: 4
- beanbags: 24
Teacher tip
Make sure the rope is tied securely and the hoop can't hit anyone; a light plastic hoop is safest. If there's nowhere to hang it, two students can hold a pole with the hoop hanging from it.
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