Learning Outcome 

This activity develops hand-eye coordination and timing for striking a moving object. These skills also transfer to striking with a bat, racquet, or stick.

Activity Description

Create a line on the floor 2-3 meters from the wall. If indoors, use masking tape. If outdoors, use masking tape or chalk.
Hit the ball at the wall with the palm of the hand, using your hand like a tennis racquet.
The ball must bounce off the wall on the line or above the line.
One player “serves” from behind the line on the floor.
The other player “returns” the service from either side of the line.
Play continues until one player misses a return.
When a player misses, the other player restarts play with a new server.
Players can score a point only when they are the server.
The ball can bounce once on the floor or pavement before a player hits a return.
The first player to 5 points wins.
Variations
Don’t keep the score at first – simply challenge your child to return the ball as long as possible in a continuous “rally”
Make a game where you and your child are on the same team – count how many returns you can do in one rally – with each new rally, try to better your previous score
If you have more than one child or more than one adult, try playing a fun family tournament where family members take turns playing each other

Required Material

4 Boundary cone, plastic handball/ beach ball,

Unobstructed wall with hard floor or pavement in front
Plastic beach ball 20-40 cm diameter that is very bouncy
Paper masking tape and string 4-5 meters long
Chalk