The Wall Throws It Back

Each child throws a big ball against the wall with both hands and tries to catch it when it comes back. It works on chest and overhead throws and catching a rebounding ball.

How to play

1. Draw a chalk sun on the wall in front of each child and a line on the ground two steps back (2 min).
2. Chest throw: ball against your chest, push it with both hands toward the sun and let it roll or bounce back (3 min).
3. Overhead throw, like a soccer throw-in, and catch it after one bounce (3 min).
4. Try catching it in the air before it bounces, arms ready like a basket (3 min).
5. Each child picks a favorite throw and shows it to the friend next to them (2 min).

Rules

• Everyone throws at their own sun.
• Stay behind your line.
• If the ball rolls away, get it without bothering others.
• Both hands always ready to catch.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child throws from their chair using a beach ball, which is slower and easier to catch.
• Visual impairment: use a sound ball and a classmate who calls "Coming back!" as it rebounds.
• Less dexterity: use a bigger, slightly deflated ball that bounces less and is easier to grab.

Learning goals

• Throw two-handed from the chest and overhead.
• Catch a rebounding ball.
• Predict where the ball will go.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large soft balls: 25
• chalk: 1

Teacher tip

Space children at least two arm lengths apart so balls don't cross. The typical mistake is throwing at the floor; the chalk sun helps them look forward.

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