Hoop Boundaries

Skill: Dodge, Jump
Time Required: 10
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Remove any safety hazards and obstacles from the play area.
Remind participants to roll the balls and not throw them.
Equipment: 1 hoop per participant
Tennis balls and/or foam balls
Objective:
Participants have to stay in their own hoop and not get hit by a ball.
Other Skills:
Underhand roll
Coordination
Set up:
Spread out the hoops in the play area and have one participant stand in each hoop.
Give some participants tennis balls and/or foam balls.
Step by Step:
1. The goal for participants is to roll (not throw) the balls towards other participants trying to hit them below the knee.
2. Participants cannot leave their hoop in order to avoid getting hit.
3. They can jump and move around within their hoop.
4. Participants can only leave their hoops to collect a ball, if that ball went through their hoop (and didn't touch them).
5. If a participant rolls the ball and it doesn't go through any participants hoops, then anyone can go retrieve the ball. Once they get the ball they have to run back to their hoop as fast as possible.
6. The leader can add more balls as the game goes on.
7. If a participant gets hit below the knees by a ball then a few things can happen, depending on how the leader wishes to play the game.
- They have to sit down in their hoop. They can get back up by picking up a ball that rolls past or into their hoop. Once they get a ball they can stand back up and join the game.
- They have to leave the game and do a set activity/exercise on the side. After they do this, they may be able to return.
- They sit down and can return to the game when the participant that hit them is hit.
Variations:
Play with a soccer ball, and participants have to kick the soccer ball at participants.
Play with beanbags, and participants have to try to get a beanbag to land in other participant's hoops. Participants can hit or kick them away and catch them before they land in the hoop, but if one does land in a hoop then they have to sit down.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.