Note: If the weather is bad, and you don't have the gym, consider playing four corners, quiet ball or watching a PBS kids program in an available classroom, relo or other space. Additional inside games you could play are available here: https://sites.google.com/granitesd.org/mr-brough/teacher-helps
Grades K - 6
(15 - 20 minute activity)
Equipment: Lots of tennis balls
Description:
Students spread out in general space with tennis balls scattered throughout the gym.
The object of the game is for the students to use the inside of their hands, fists and feet to hit/kick the tennis balls and keep them moving.
For safety, have students play inside the basketball court unless they're trying to get a ball that's dead (not moving).
On go, students will hit the tennis balls around the gym, trying to keep ALL the tennis balls moving at the same time.
If four or more tennis balls (the amount is up to you) are not moving at one time, blow your whistle and yell "Dead Bugs!" (grades K-2 students should lay on their back and move/kick their arms and legs like dead bugs for 10 seconds, grades 3-6 should perform an exercise of your choosing for thirty seconds, e.g., jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, planks, burpees, etc.
Play continues in this way for several rounds.
Students need to work together to ensure that all the dodgeballs are moving at the same time.
Consider starting with hands hitting the tennis balls and then switching to feet.
Make sure to instruct students how to hit and kick the tennis balls safely. Students should not hit/kick hard, and should only hit/kick when no one is next to them. If a student hits/kicks a tennis ball unsafely, such as kicking it hard off the ground, have them practice off to the side of the gym for a little while. If it happens again, they're out; or should at least get a warning and be given more practice time.