Two-Ball Triangle Passing on the Count
In trios set up in a triangle, two balls travel at once and everyone passes at the same moment on the call "go!" Students practice passing and catching, group timing, and reading the path of the incoming ball.
How to play
- Make trios and use flat disc cones to mark a triangle with 3 m (10 ft) sides. Each student stands on a corner; two of them have a ball (2 min).
- One student is the "captain" and calls "go!" At that moment both students with a ball pass to the right at the same time. The student without a ball receives one, and the passer receives the other. Practice for 3 min with two-hand chest passes.
- Switch direction: on the word "switch!" pass to the left. The captain mixes up the two calls (3 min).
- Now the captain stays silent: the trio must keep the rhythm by counting in their heads or with a small head nod. Change captains every minute (4 min).
- Trio challenge: how many simultaneous passes in a row without dropping a ball? Each trio records its best (4 min).
- Final round (2 min): trios with high scores try bounce passes or one-hand passes.
Rules
- Both balls leave at the same time; if one goes early, that try doesn't count.
- Catch with hands in front of your chest and fingers spread.
- Firm passes but not hard ones, at chest height.
- If a ball drops, pick it up and the trio restarts the count at zero.
Variations
Easier
Use one ball, always passing the same way to the captain's claps.
Standard
Use two balls at once with direction changes on the captain's call.
Harder
Make groups of four in a square with three balls at once, or pass while the triangle walks in a circle.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student sits on their corner and the triangle shrinks to 2 m (6 ft).
- Blind or low vision: use a ball with a bell and have the partner say the student's name right before passing.
- Lower skill: use larger foam balls and roll the passes along the ground.
Learning goals
- Pass and catch while timing the pass with the group.
- Anticipate the incoming ball while releasing their own.
- Keep a shared rhythm without an outside signal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balls: 16
- flat disc cones: 24
Teacher tip
The typical problem is watching your own ball instead of the one coming in; remind students to pass and shift their eyes right away. Mix skill levels in trios so the captain can help.
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