Exercise your hand-eye coordination and arm muscle strength.
The beach ball I use is about 1 1/2 feet in diameter.
This exercise is good one-on-one and also works well with a group. Group members get good enjoyment out of watching each other take part. It is a perfect activity for hand-eye coordination and concentration and is an exercise for arms and hands.
Repeat each movement three times for each participant in a group situation, working your way around the room—more times if you do it one-on-one.
1. First, the beach ball is thrown toward the person; they catch it with both hands and throw it back.
2. Then, ask the participant to return the ball, hitting it with flat, open hands. Then, repeat the same movement, first with one open hand, then the other.
3. Now, repeat the same exercise as above, returning the ball with closed-fisted hands.
4. Bounce the ball to each other; first, they catch and throw it back. Then, bounce and hit the ball back instead of catching it.
5. Finally, roll the ball toward each participant and ask them to kick it back with an upward motion.
Passive exercise: Try deflating the beach ball in your hands. It's a great way to work on hand strength and feel the smooth texture with ridges. You can even fold it in different ways for added fun.
For more target game ideas, try our mini beanbag activities.
