Towel Launchers: Passing Between Pairs

In pairs, holding a towel by the corners, students launch and catch a ball and then pass it to other pairs. Each pair has to move like a single player.

How to play

1. Pairs hold a towel by all four corners. Launch the ball up and catch it; work on snapping the towel taut together (3 min).
2. Pass to another pair 3–5 meters away, stepping back after each catch (4 min).
3. Groups of four: two pairs count their record of passes in a row without a drop (5 min).
4. Cooperative towel volleyball: two pairs on each side of a rope about 6 feet high count passes over without a drop (5 min).
5. Class challenge: all pairs in a big circle, and the ball goes all the way around (3 min).

Rules

• Launch and catch with the towel, never with hands.
• Snap the towel together on a shared cue ("now!").
• Always watch the ball and nearby pairs to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: hold the towel from the chair; the partner matches their height.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell, and the partner calls out its direction.
• Injured hand: hold with the other hand while the partner uses both.

Learning goals

• Sync movement with a partner.
• Judge distance and throwing force.
• Beat a cooperative record.

Equipment for a class of 25

• towels: 15
• soft balls: 8
• ropes: 2

Teacher tip

Ask students to bring towels from home the class before and keep a few spares. The usual mistake is each person pulling on their own timing: teach the "one, two, now!" count.

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