Balloon Tennis
Requirements
- Open space, preferably indoor
- Balloons (round type)
- Piece of string or ribbon 3-5 metres
- Scotch tape or masking tape
- Paper plates
- Paint stir sticks
- Duct tape
Instructions
- Blow up a balloon of the “round” type.
- Inflate to medium or medium-low pressure, so the balloon “floats” a little bit but not too much.
- Create simple “tennis racquets” by taping a paint stir stick to the back of each paper plate.
- Hang the string or ribbon horizontally about one metre above the floor between two chairs, or between bookshelves or countertops. This is your “net”.
- Using your racquets, hit the balloon back and forth across the net with your child or children.
- If someone allows the balloon to touch the floor on their side, the person on the other side of the net scores a point.
- Play first person to 5 points, and then start again.
- Your racquets are not allowed to cross over the top of the net.
- You are allowed to touch the balloon more than once on your side if necessary.
Variations
- If you have more than one child, or more than one adult, try playing a fun family tournament where family members take turns playing each other
Benefits
This activity develops hand-eye coordination and timing while using a simple racquet (i.e., striking tool). These skills also transfer to striking with a bat or stick.