Ball Hockey for Children

Requirements

• Small hockey sticks (wooden or plastic)
• Plastic ball 8-10 cm diameter (e.g. street hockey ball)

Instructions

1. Create two small goals in your driveway, patio, or hard surface at a local park.
2. Play a simple hockey game with two or three children per team.
3. Adult can play as a passing player who models good team play.

Variations

• Show children how to “stick handle” the ball with small touches that change the ball direction
• Create a big goal and act as goalkeeper for your children to take turns shooting at you

Benefits

This activity develops hand-eye coordination and timing while using a hockey stick (i.e., striking tool). These skills also transfer to striking with a bat or racquet.