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:
- Players stand in a circle with one ball.
- To start, the first player jumps and throws the ball underhand to a player.
- Receiving player must catch and throw the ball to another player while jumping in the air.
- 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.
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