🏗️ Over the Fence
Over the Fence
A fun movement-and-control game focused on dribbling, guiding, and lifting objects over an obstacle.
⏱️ Duration: Flexible — repeat as long as engagement stays high
🎤 Coach Script / Setup
“Right team! Your job is to move your ball all the way across the court and get it over the fence!
Tap it like hockey, keep it under control, and when you get to the cones, lift it over the wall using your racket. Then run back and try again!”
🧱 Game Layout
Create a long working channel using
• a row of cones (the “fence”)
OR a mini net (optional)All balls start at the baseline
Children work individually, each with:
• A racket
• A starting ball (foam ball, light ball, balloon, etc.)Coaches or parents recycle balls back to the start.
🔁 Gameplay – Stages
Stage 1 — Tap & Travel
Children tap the ball (“hockey dribble”) along the floor.
Keep ball close, small controlled taps.
Stage 2 — Lift Over the Fence
When they reach the row of cones:
Slide racket under the ball
Gently lift and flip it over the cones
Ball must land on the far side
Children run back to start and continue with a new ball
🪶 Feathers (Simplifications)
Perfect for younger Tots or less confident players:
Use bigger, lighter balls (utility balls, beach balls, balloons) for slower movement
Use scarves instead of balls: drag or float the scarf to the fence and lift it over
Lower the fence (shorter cones or flat markers)
Allow children to pick up and drop over instead of lifting with the racket
Let a coach assist the lift motion
Shorten the distance they must dribble
Work parent–child pairs: one guides, one lifts
⚡ Progressions (For Titans / Troopers)
Use smaller, firmer balls for more control challenge
Add direction changes before reaching the fence
Ball must be tapped through a series of gates before the lift
Lift only with racket — no hands
Add a time challenge (“How many can you lift in 60 seconds?”)
Use balloons outdoors only on still, humid days
After lifting, child must catch the ball on the other side
Add a second fence for double lift
🎾 Technical Coaching Tips
“Soft taps — keep the ball close.”
Encourage side-on body position for the lift
Racket slides under the ball, not pushing from the side
Follow through upwards for a smooth lift
Bend knees and use legs, not just arms
Eyes on the ball before lifting