Pairs of discs about 2 m apart; both partners stand on one leg on their disc and throw the soft ball to each other.
Set up
- Put pairs of discs about 2 m apart (closer for 2021s), spread across the area.
- Each child stands on a disc facing their partner.
- Mix pairs every round so nobody stays in the same pair.
8 to 12 children in pairs, an area about 20 m by 15 m.
How to play
- Both partners stand on one leg at the same time.
- They throw the soft ball underarm to each other and catch it without putting the lifted foot down.
- Count catches in a row as a pair. If a foot touches down, the pair says reset and starts a new count.
- Every 45 seconds, call swap legs.
- New rounds: Statue catch (catch and hold still for a count of two), Low tree (catch while crouching on one leg), Wobbly tree (gently swing your arms before each throw).
Keeping everyone moving
Both partners balance, throw and catch at once. Nobody watches.
Make it easier
- Allow the toes of the lifted foot to touch lightly.
- Move the discs closer, or roll the ball instead of throwing.
Make it harder
- Throw with the other hand, or add a bounce throw.
- Step the discs one pace apart after 5 catches in a row.
Three things to say
- Eyes on the ball, soft hands that give as they catch.
- Standing knee slightly bent.
- Arms used for balance between throws.
Words that work: "Brave to try the other hand!", "You two lifted each other, great counting.", "Wobbled and kept going, that is hard work."
Colts habit
Lifting each other through a shared count.
Both feet
Every round is done on both standing legs.
Heads up
Say your partner's name before each throw.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2020 to 2021
- Beanbags, 1 m apart, count to 3.
- 2018 to 2019
- Soft balls, 2 m apart, swap throwing hand.
- 2016 to 2017
- Use as a 2-minute warm-up slice only.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Soft balls or beanbags only, thrown underarm to chest height, never at faces. Keep pairs spaced so a wobble does not collide with another pair.
Keeping score: Each pair notes their best catch streak on each leg and beats it next week with any partner. There are no pair rankings.