Eden Ball

Learning Outcomes

• Throwing and Catching: Players practice their hand-eye coordination, timing, and accuracy when throwing and catching the ball.
• Spatial Awareness: Players must develop awareness of where the ball is going, where they are positioned, and the distances between circles.
• Teamwork: Through the rotation system and the requirement to collaborate within their group, players build cooperative skills.
• Agility: The need to quickly adjust positions and react to the bouncing ball helps improve agility.

Description Of Activity

Starting the Game: The player who is serving (standing behind circle 4) throws the ball towards another circle. The aim is for the ball to bounce inside a circle where another player is stationed.

Catching the Ball: The player standing behind the target circle must catch the ball after it bounces (the ball should only bounce once).
Once the player catches the ball, they must throw it to another circle.

Gameplay Continuation: The game continues with players throwing and catching the ball in different circles, trying to stay inside their designated positions.
Elimination:

If a player makes a bad throw (the ball bounces outside a circle) or drops the ball, they are considered out and must leave their circle.
When a player is out, they move to the waiting line.

Rotation: The incoming player from the waiting line replaces the player who got out. The player who was out moves to circle 1, and the other players rotate to fill in the gaps.

Goal: Players aim to remain in the game as long as possible by making accurate throws and successful catches, ultimately staying within their designated circle for as long as possible.

Rules:
On the Line is In: If the ball lands on the edge or line of a circle, it is still considered in. Players must not step outside the circle to catch the ball but can position themselves right on the line.

One Step Allowed: Players are allowed to take one step in any direction from where they catch the ball. However, no running or additional steps are allowed once the ball is caught.

Bounce Height: The ball must bounce above knee height to ensure that players have enough time and space to react and make a proper catch.

Variations

• Bounce Height Rule: Change the rule so that the ball must bounce above head height for a more challenging variation.
• Striking: Allow players to strike the ball using their hands, feet, or a specific implement (e.g., a bat or racket) to increase coordination and skill development.

Equipment/Material Required

Large, bouncy balls.
Hoops or circles (approximately 1 meter in diameter). These can be drawn on the ground using chalk, spray paint, or be marked with physical markers.