Walking Self-Pass Relay
Team relays where students carry a balloon or light ball to a cone and back by self-passing with sets or bumps without letting it drop. It works on controlling touches while moving, tracking the ball, and team cooperation.
How to play
- Teams of 4 line up behind a start cone with a turnaround cone 30 feet away. Each team has a balloon and a light ball (2 min).
- Round 1 (3 min): with the balloon, the first student walks to the cone and back while self-passing with the hands, then high-fives the next player as they hand it off.
- If the balloon drops, pick it up and continue from that spot after 3 stationary self-passes.
- Round 2 (4 min): same with the light ball, allowing one bounce on the floor between touches.
- Round 3 (4 min): light ball with no bounce; students must alternate a set and a bump.
- Each round is played twice: teams try to go faster the second time without more drops; finish by sharing what helps keep control (1 min).
Rules
- Walk, don't run: anyone running goes back to the previous cone.
- Touches must send the ball above the head, not push it forward.
- Leave 10 feet between lines so no one collides chasing a dropped ball.
- Hand the ball to the next teammate; no throwing it.
Variations
Easier
Students may catch and re-toss the ball every three steps.
Standard
Balloon, then ball with a bounce, and finally ball with no bounce, alternating touches.
Harder
Zigzag through 4 cones and walk backward on the return trip.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, covers half the distance and may rest the balloon on their lap between touches.
- Visual impairment: uses a large, brightly colored balloon, and a partner walks alongside calling out the cones.
- Highly skilled students: complete the course using only the non-dominant hand or only bumps.
Learning goals
- Control sets and bumps while walking.
- Keep eyes on the ball while using peripheral vision for the course.
- Cheer for the team and follow the walking rule.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 8
- light balls: 7
- cones: 14
Teacher tip
The walking rule is the key to success: when students run, their touches fall apart. Give a round of applause to the team with the fewest drops, not just the fastest.
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