The Ball Highway

In pairs, children sit facing each other and roll a ball back and forth along a highway made of two ropes on the ground, trying to keep it on the road. It works on rolling accurately and receiving a ball that comes along the ground.

How to play

1. Each pair lays two ropes side by side on the ground to make a highway and sits with legs apart at each end (2 min).
2. The teacher models rolling: push the ball with both hands from the chest down to the floor and toward your partner (3 min).
3. Roll the ball along the highway; the receiver makes a little cave with their hands to stop it (3 min).
4. Make the highway narrower by moving the ropes closer and try again without the ball rolling off (3 min).
5. Try rolling with just one hand, first one and then the other (2 min).

Rules

• The ball rolls, it never bounces.
• Wait until your partner is ready with hands down.
• If it rolls off the road, the roller goes to get it.
• Say "Yours!" when you roll.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: set the highway on a long table, with both children sitting in chairs at each end.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell and thick ropes the child can feel; the partner says "Here it comes!" before rolling.
• Autism: always pair the child with the same trusted classmate and count out loud "One, two, three, go!"

Learning goals

• Roll a ball with the hands in a set direction.
• Receive and stop a rolling ball.
• Cooperate with a partner and respect their timing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft balls: 13
• jump ropes: 26

Teacher tip

Medium foam balls are best: they roll slowly and don't hurt. No ropes? Draw the highway with chalk.

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