Zigzag Through the Pine Trees
Cones are pine trees in a forest, and children dribble their ball between them without touching any, on paths of different difficulty. They practice dribbling with changes of direction.
How to play
- Set up three pine paths: wide apart, medium and close together (2 min).
- Walk through the forest in a zigzag without a ball to learn the path (2 min).
- Now dribble with the ball close to your foot along the wide-apart path (4 min).
- Each child picks a path and tries it several times (4 min).
- Leave the forest, step on the ball and breathe in the pine-tree air (2 min).
Rules
- The ball doesn't touch the trees.
- Tiny taps to turn.
- If I bump one, I calmly start the path again.
- I wait until the child ahead reaches the second tree.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a single straight path with trees far apart.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, a zigzag with trees three steps apart.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, they choose the close-together path and use their less-used foot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: zigzag in the wheelchair while moving the ball with a pool noodle.
- Visual impairment: tall, brightly colored cones and a classmate guiding by voice.
- Less coordination: a large, slow ball and cones far apart.
Learning goals
- Dribble the ball while changing direction.
- Control the force of each touch.
- Pick a challenge that fits them.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Soft balls: 25
- Cones: 30
Teacher tip
Place the paths side by side and in view so children can switch levels. Don't time them: the challenge is not touching the trees, not going fast.
PatioLab has "Zigzag Through the Pine Trees" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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