EQUIPMENT
3 beach balls
15 short cones
Optional: net
Optional: 1 balloon
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Newcomb Ball. Your goal is to work together with your teammates to see how many times you can get the ball over to the other team’s side.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide students into teams of two.
- Before the game begins, spread out on your side.
- I will give you a number – this will be the serving order. I will also decide which team serves first.
- When I say, "GO!" the team that has the ball first will serve underhand.
- After the ball has been served, you can either hit the ball back or catch the ball.
- If the ball hits the ground or goes out-of-bounds, the other team gets to serve.
- You cannot hit the ball twice in a row.
- You cannot move from your spot once the ball has been served – you can only pivot on one foot.
- We will begin a new game and teams will switch sides once everyone has had a chance to serve.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Do not keep score.
Game 2: If necessary, add beach balls to increase participation.
Variation: To increase difficulty, use a net instead of short cones.
Variation: To decrease difficulty, have students use balloons instead of beach balls.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach: Divide the teams equally based on athletic ability.
- Safety: Encourage students to say, “Got it!” to avoid collisions.
- Discussion: Ask students to share what was easy or hard about swinging their arm back and hitting the ball with their palm.