Champions for Life Foundation

Popcorn Jump Ball

Popcorn Jump Ball is a spin on a classic game where you try to pass the ball between your group partners, while jumping in the air, without letting the ball touch the ground.

Grades 3-6

9-12 years old

15-minutes

Small groups

3-5 children per group

Open space

(indoor or outdoor)

Different sized balls

Skills in action:

Underhand throw


  • I backswing with my throwing arm.
  • I step with my opposite foot.
  • I swing my throwing arm.
  • I point to the target with my throwing arm.

Catching with two hands 


  • I look at the ball.
  • I extend my arms towards the ball.
  • I keep my hands close together, fingers spread.
  • I bring the ball to my body.

Catching with one hand


  • I look at the ball.
  • I extend my arm towards the ball.
  • I reach with my hand, fingers spread.
  • I catch the ball, close my fingers around the ball and bring the ball to my body.

How to play:

 

  1. Players stand in a circle with one ball. 
  2. To start, the first player jumps and throws the ball underhand to a player.
  3. Receiving player must catch and throw the ball to another player while jumping in the air. 
  4. This continues until either the ball is dropped, the receiving player doesn’t catch the ball, or the throwing player does not jump while throwing.

Variations:

 

  • Players keep count of how many times they can successfully throw and catch the ball without it hitting the ground.
  • Add two or more different sized balls to the game. All balls are thrown at the same time.
  • For a greater challenge, increase the size of the circle. 
  • Have players throw and catch with their non-dominant hand.

Download our "Countdown to the Holidays" playbook.

For more holiday-themed games, download our FREE playbook with 3-weeks of fun and engaging games to help keep kids moving. It contains a series of challenges that help develop physical literacy. 

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