Take-Turns Hand Wall Ball

In pairs facing the wall, children take turns hitting the ball with an open hand: one hits, it bounces, the other hits, and they count together how many hits they get. Kids practice striking with the hand and taking turns in a cooperative wall game.

How to play

1. The teacher chalks a rectangle on the wall for each pair and a do-not-cross line on the ground (1 min).
2. On your own: drop the ball, let it bounce and push it to the wall with an open hand, like a clap (3 min).
3. In pairs: one hits, the ball comes back, bounces, and the other hits; if it gets away, whoever is closer grabs it (3 min).
4. Count the hits in a row out loud together and try to beat your own number, not anyone else's (3 min).
5. Switch partners and try hitting with the other hand (2 min).

Rules

• Me first, then you, never both at once.
• Hit with an open hand, never kick.
• Count your pair's hits; nobody beats anybody.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: hit from the wheelchair with a larger ball and allow several bounces.
• Lower skill: use a balloon inside a fabric cover or a beach ball, which moves more slowly.
• Autism: the partner always says “Yours!” after their hit to make turns clear.

Learning goals

• Strike a ball with the hand toward a target.
• Alternate turns with a partner.
• Improve on your own score without comparing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft rubber balls: 13
• Sidewalk chalk: 10

Teacher tip

Use soft balls that bounce well but don't sting the hand. Waiting is the hardest part: if both go for the ball, they collide, so insist on saying “Yours!”

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary