This two-person activity is a variation on the game of catch—with penalties for dropping the ball. If the ball is dropped during this game of catch, children have to drop down, making themselves less agile, and harder to catch the next ball! This activity helps children learn how to face increasing obstacles and problem solve.

• One tennis ball per two-person group

1. Stand 10 steps apart from a partner. Face a partner and start tossing the tennis ball back and forth, trying not to drop it.

2. When a player drops the ball, they must go down to the ground on one knee and then continue catching and throwing from that position.

3. If a player drops the ball again, they must kneel down on both knees.

4. Each time a player drops the ball, they lose ability to use part of their body. This means adding one elbow, then two elbows, and finally their chin.

5. If play proceeds without anyone dropping the ball, take a step back each time you make a clean catch to make it more of a challenge.

Try these activity variations:

• On a hot day, use a water balloon instead of a tennis ball!
• Use a much larger ball! The activity increases in difficulty due to limited movement.