ORBIT BALL

Cooperation: visual tracking; hand, foot, eye coordination

One oversized beachball or cageball per group

Form two groups of ten to twelve players and have groups form a double circle; one circle inside the other. Playerís in the outer circle stand with arms ready to tap the beachball. Players in the inner circle lie on their backs, heads pointing to the middle of the circle and legs raised overhead, ready to tap the beachball with their feet. Emphasize control of the ball. It should be tapped gently rather than kicked or punched.

Circle players, work together as you pass the beachball around the circle to put it into "Orbit." Try to keep the ball between the inside players, who tap it with their feet, and the outside players, who push it back with their hands. Do not allow the ball to touch the ground. Call "Mine!" when you want to hit the ball. Can you count the number of times the ball orbits the circle? Count out loud each time. Inner and outer circles, change places. Put the ball into orbit again. Can you beat your previous score?

For a large class, set up two games. Time the ball's orbit rather than counting the number of taps.