🌀 Maze Madness

🎯 Objective:
Develop close ball control, dribbling skills, spatial awareness, and focus while navigating a fun obstacle maze.

🧠 Focus:
Dribbling • coordination • awareness • change of direction • keeping control under pressure

⏱️ Duration:
5–7 minutes (including demonstration)

🎤 Coach Script / Story Setup:

“Welcome to Maze Madness! 🌀
This is our giant maze, and your mission is to dribble your ball all the way through without losing control.
Weave through the fences, keep your ball close, and once you reach the end — loop back around and rejoin the line!”

🏗️ Game Layout:

(Uses the same setup as Naughty Neighbours)

• Set up mini tennis nets or low barriers in rows to create a clear maze pathway
• Leave gaps wide enough for safe dribbling and weaving
• One clear start point and exit point
• Balls placed at the start

Equipment:
• Tennis balls / soft balls
• Mini tennis nets (or cones / barriers)
• Optional: frisbees for coach distraction

🔁 Gameplay:

1. Children start at the entrance of the maze with one ball

2. On the coach’s signal, they:
   • Dribble the ball through the maze
   • Weave around the “fences”
   • Keep the ball close and under control

3. Once they reach the end:
   • They exit the maze
   • Run around the outside
   • Join the back of the line

Coach demonstrates first:
• Slow dribble
• Small touches
• Eyes up where possible

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications):

• Use bigger / slower balls
• Allow rolling the ball with hands instead of feet
• Widen the maze gaps
• Let children stop the ball at each turn
• Reduce maze length
• Coach walks alongside to guide

⚡ Progressions:

• Two-ball challenge:
• Dribble one ball while carrying another
• Coach distractions:
• Coaches gently throw balls or roll frisbees across the maze to “put players off”
• Speed challenge:
• Still controlled — not a race
• Direction change:
• Go through forwards, come back backwards
• Add decision-making:
• Coach calls “LEFT” or “RIGHT” at junctions

🎾 Coaching Tips:

• “Little touches”
• “Keep it close”
• “Eyes up, not just down”
• Praise control over speed
• Reset calmly if the ball escapes — no pressure

🔄 Companion Game Pairings:

This game works especially well alongside:
• Naughty Neighbours – throwing over fences
• Rally in the Alley – movement and sending/receiving
• Dribble Relays – transition into team play

🌈 Seasonal Variations – Maze Madness

🎄 Christmas – Snow Maze

The maze is covered in snow! ❄️
Children dribble their “snowballs” carefully through icy paths without letting them slip away.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = snowballs

• Coaches = cheeky snowmen throwing soft distractions

• Add a “freeze” call where players must stop the ball dead

🐣 Easter – Egg Hunt Maze

The maze is an Easter Egg trail! 🥚
Children dribble their egg safely through the maze to reach the Easter baskets.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = Easter eggs

• Coaches = Easter Bunnies hopping around to distract

• Progression: carry a second “egg” while dribbling the first

🎃 Halloween – Spooky Maze

Welcome to the Haunted Maze! 👻
Children must creep their ball past spooky fences without waking the monsters.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = spooky eyeballs or pumpkins

• Coaches = ghosts/witches floating balls or frisbees across the maze

• Add a “freeze when spooked” moment

💘 Valentine’s – Love Maze

The maze is full of hearts! ❤️
Children must keep their “love ball” close and safe as they travel through.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = hearts

• Maze paths = “love lanes”

• Challenge: keep the ball within one racket length at all times

👩‍👧 Mother’s Day – Careful Delivery

Children are delivering a special package to Mum 💐
Gentle control and care are the focus.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = presents

• Emphasis on slow, careful movement

• Praise “gentle touches” and calm control

👨‍👧 Father’s Day – Builder’s Maze

The maze is a construction site 🛠️
Children dribble tools safely through the work zone.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = tools

• Coaches = builders rolling obstacles across

• Add direction calls: “STOP”, “GO”, “TURN”

🌞 Summer – Jungle Maze

The maze becomes a jungle trail 🌴
Children dribble their explorer ball past vines and obstacles.

Theme tweaks:

• Balls = coconuts

• Coaches = jungle animals rolling distractions

• Encourage quiet feet and smooth movement

If you want, next we can:

• Match each seasonal version with a one-line coach script

• Create tiny icon emojis for each theme (to match your games library)

• Or build a Maze Madness → Naughty Neighbours → Rally in the Alley themed circuit

🐣 Easter Egg Builders

🎯 Objective
A fun Easter-themed coordination game where children build, wrap, and deliver Easter eggs, developing balance, carrying skills, racket control, colour recognition, and focus.

🧠 Focus
Balance • coordination • racket control • carrying objects • colour matching • careful movement

⏱️ Duration
5–7 minutes (including demonstration)

🎤 Coach Script / Story Setup

“Easter Helpers! 🐰
The Easter Bunny’s eggs are broken and need fixing!
First, you must build the egg, then wrap it carefully, and finally deliver it safely to the Easter Bonnet.
No rushing — cracked eggs don’t make it to Easter! 🥚✨”

🏗️ Game Layout

Egg Building Zone
• Two halves of round cones = egg shells
• Beanbags & soft balls = egg fillings

Wrapping Station
• Coloured scarves = wrapping foil 🧣

Delivery Zone
• Buckets / tubs = Easter bonnets 🧺

Equipment Needed
• Half round cones (egg shells)
• Beanbags & soft balls
• Coloured scarves
• Buckets / tubs
• Rackets

🔁 How to Play (Core Game)

1. Each child starts with:
   • One empty egg shell (half cone)

2. They move around and:
   • Collect beanbags or soft balls
   • Place them inside the egg shell

3. Once the egg is filled:
   • The child wraps the egg using a scarf

4. The wrapped egg is then:
   • Carried carefully to an Easter Bonnet

5. At the bonnet:
   • Place the wrapped egg straight into the tub
   • No unwrapping required

6. The child then:
   • Returns to the start
   • Collects another egg shell
   • Repeats the process

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger or Nervous Tots)

• Carry the egg shell with two hands
• Walk only
• One filling item per egg
• Wrap loosely (no tying)
• Carry by hand instead of racket
• Coach assists with wrapping if needed
• Use large, soft beanbags only

⚡ Progressions (For Older or Confident Tots)

Balance & Control
• Balance the wrapped egg on the racket
• Carry without using hands
• Add cones to walk around

Multiple Eggs
• Carry two wrapped eggs at once
• One in hand, one on racket

Colour Matching Challenge
• Introduce coloured eggs:
• Blue egg = blue fillings only
• Red egg = red fillings only
• Deliver to the matching coloured Easter Bonnet

Distraction Challenge
• Easter Bunnies (coaches):
• Gently throw soft balls or frisbees nearby
• Move around to distract
• Eggs dropped = return to start

🎾 Coaching Tips

• Cue words:
• “Slow and steady”
• “Soft hands”
• “Eyes on the egg”
• Praise:
• Control
• Care
• Focus (not speed)
• Encourage stopping and resetting if eggs wobble

🐦🦈 Storks and Sharks

🎯 Objective:
A fun movement and coordination game developing balance, carrying skills, spatial awareness, and confidence while introducing playful pressure and decision-making.

🧠 Focus:
Balance • coordination • agility • awareness • carrying objects while moving

⏱️ Duration:
5–7 minutes (including demonstration)

🎤 Coach Script / Story Setup:

“Alright Storks! 🐦 You’ve got a very important job today.
Your baby eggs need to get safely across the ocean and into their nests on the island 🌴
But watch out… there are SHARKS in the sea! 🦈
If you drop your egg, the sharks might gobble it up!”

🏗️ Game Layout:

Set up the area in three clear zones:

1. 🟡 Beach Front
   • A straight line of yellow cones
   • Starting point for all storks

2. 🔵 The Sea
   • Marked with blue traffic cones scattered or in lanes
   • This is the danger zone

3. 🟢 The Island
   • A circle of green cones
   • Inside the circle place:

   • Buckets / tubs = nests

Equipment needed:
• Beanbags = eggs 🥚
• Cones (yellow, blue, green)
• Buckets / tubs
• Rackets (for sharks’ fins)

🔁 Gameplay:

1. Each child (a Stork) starts at the beach holding one egg (beanbag).

2. On the coach’s signal, storks carefully travel across the sea.

3. They must:
   • Keep control of the egg
   • Avoid dropping it

4. Once they reach the island:
   • Gently drop the egg into a nest

5. Storks then:
   • Run back around the outside to the beach
   • Collect another egg

Sharks (coaches):
• Move around the sea zone
• Hold rackets above their heads like shark fins
• If an egg is dropped:

• The shark “gobbles” it

• Returns it to the beach supply

Play continues for a set time or until all eggs are safely delivered.

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger or Nervous Children):

• Allow walking only — no running
• Let children carry the egg with two hands
• Reduce the width of the sea
• Allow coaches to freeze while storks cross
• Use larger, softer beanbags
• Storks can step around cones instead of between them

⚡ Progressions (For Older or More Confident Groups):

• Carry the egg:

• Change the beanbags to balls

•     Add movement challenges:

• Tip-toe across the sea

• Side steps or zig-zags
  • Sharks move slowly side-to-side
  • Storks must freeze if a shark looks at them
  • Add a time challenge:

• “How many eggs can your team save in 1 minute?”
  • Introduce teamwork:

• One stork carries, one stork guides

🎾 Coaching Tips:

• Encourage:

• “Slow and steady”

• “Eyes on the egg”

• “Soft hands”
  • Praise balance and control, not speed
  • Reinforce spatial awareness:

• Looking up

• Avoiding cones and sharks

🌈 Seasonal & Themed Variations:

🎄 Christmas – Storks and Snow Sharks

Eggs become snowballs ❄️
The island is Santa’s snowy nest.
Sharks wear festive hats and guard the icy sea.

🐣 Easter – Bunny Helpers

Eggs are Easter eggs 🥚
Island nests belong to the Easter Bunny 🐰
Sharks become cheeky foxes trying to steal eggs.

🎃 Halloween – Witches and Sea Monsters

Eggs are magic potions 🧪
Island is the Witch’s Island
Sharks become sea monsters with spooky movements 👻

💘 Valentine’s – Love Birds

Eggs are hearts ❤️
Island nests are love nests
Sharks try to “steal the love”

👩‍👧 Mother’s Day – Baby Birds

Eggs are baby chicks 🐥
Island is Mum’s nest
Emphasis on gentle movement and care

👨‍👧 Father’s Day – Strong Storks

Eggs are “important packages” 📦
Island is Dad’s workshop
Sharks are clumsy builders trying to block the way 🛠️

If you want, next we can:

• Add racket integration for older Tots

• Create a Titans version

• Produce a visual diagram (no text) to match your games library

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

🎾 Ups & Downs

Focus: Racket skills, coordination, balance, control
Stage: Phase 1 (after warm-up)
Time: ~5 minutes

🎤 Coach Script / Setup

“Everyone grab a racket and a ball!
We’re going to see how much control you have today with Ups and Downs!
Remember… small touches, soft hands, and still feet!”

Spread children out so they each have safe space around them.

🟡 Activity Breakdown

1️⃣ Balancing the Ball (Starter)

• Children place a ball on the strings.

• Walk around the space keeping the ball balanced.

• Coaching cues:

  • "Flat racket!"

  • "Soft hands!"

  • "Fast feet, slow racket!"

2️⃣ “Ups” – Bouncing the Ball Up on the Strings

• Bounce the ball gently off the racket face.

• Aim for small, repeated hits.

• KEY RULE: Try not to move your feet — build control first.

• Progressions:

  • Turn the racket between each bounce.

  • Tap the ball higher (but still under control).

  • Count how many in a row.

3️⃣ “Downs” – Bouncing the Ball Down to the Floor

• Tap the ball downwards, letting it bounce off the ground.

• Again, keep feet still for control.

• Progressions:

  • Bounce around the body (front, side, back to front).

  • Swap hands while bouncing.

  • Bounce while slowly walking once they show control.

4️⃣ “Up–Bounce–Down–Catch” Challenge

• One hit up

• Let it bounce

• One hit down

• Catch with non-dominant hand

• Repeat rhythmically like a pattern.

5️⃣ Edge Bouncing (Harder)

• Perform Downs using the edge of the racket.

• When confident, perform Ups using the edge too.

  • Great for developing touch and feel.

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger Children)

• Use larger balls (inflatable, sponge, Big Red Ball).

• Let them bounce using two hands on racket first.

• Use a bigger target like bibs or hula hoops to bounce into.

• Allow one bounce on floor before every Up.

• Start with “statue feet”—if this is too hard, allow walking slowly.

⚡️ Progressions (For Older / Confident Kids)

• Alternate: up, down, up, down continuously.

• Keep taps below shoulder height for precision.

• Edge bounces only.

• Bounce around cones placed in a loop (small controlled steps).

• Perform ups while turning 180° or 360° without losing control.

• Use non-dominant hand for Ups & Downs.

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• Flat racket face = stability.

• Encourage soft hands and relaxed wrists.

• Keep ball close to body, not reaching out.

• Keep racket on the move, not static.

• Teach “tap, not hit.”

🎉 Seasonal Alternatives

🎄 Christmas — Snowball Taps

• Use white balls as “snowballs.”

• Children tap the snowball up or down while pretending to decorate a tree.

• Edge bouncing becomes “carving icicles.”

🐣 Easter — Bunny Bounce

• Use pastel balls.

• Ups = “Bunny hops.”

• Downs = “Egg drops.”

• Up–down–catch becomes “Catch the Golden Egg.”

🎃 Halloween — Pumpkin Pops

• Orange balls = mini pumpkins.

• Ups become “pumpkin pops.”

• Downs become “squash the pumpkin!”

• Edge work = “witch wand bounces.”

💘 Valentine’s — Heart Drops

• Pink/red balls = hearts.

• Ups = “send some love!”

• Downs = “landing love notes.”

‍ ‍Crabbie in the Middle 🦀🦞

A fun interception + lob accuracy game teaching footwork, throwing/hitting height, and spatial awareness.

🌟 Story / Theme

“The crabs are stuck in their sandy channel…
but around them are the sneaky lobsters, trying to lob the ball over their heads!”

Crabbies shuffle side-to-side trying to catch.
Lobsters must move cleverly to find space.

🎯 Objective

• Teach kids how to lob (high throw)
• Develop side-step & crossover movement for crabs
• Improve decision-making (find space vs. force throw)
• Build rally skills in progressions
• Encourage teamwork and tactical thinking

🧩 Setup

Crab Channel

• Two parallel lines of cones → long “lane” across length of space
• Crabbies must stay inside

Lobster Spots

• One player on each end of the crab lane
• Larger groups: 2–3 lobsters per side rotating throws
• Lobsters start free to move side-to-side along their line

Equipment

• Start with footballs or large soft balls
• Later → soft tennis balls, mini reds
• Crabbies progress to mini nets → then rackets

▶️ How to Play

1. Crabbie starts in the lane

2. Lobsters throw (lob) the ball over the crab’s head to the player opposite

3. Lobsters can move side to side to create a better angle

4. Crabbie shuffles, side steps, crosses over to try to catch

5. If the ball lands cleanly with the opposite lobster → 1 point

6. If Crabbie catches, they swap positions with the thrower

7. New round begins immediately

🔺 Progressions

1️⃣ Crabbie Uses a Mini Net

• Lobsters still lob high
• Crabbie tries to catch using a hand-held mini net
• Great for tracking and soft hands

2️⃣ Crabbie Uses a Racket to Catch

• Racket held like a crab claw
• Must secure the ball on the strings
• Slower balls recommended

3️⃣ Lobsters Must STAY Where They Receive the Ball

• Once a lobster catches/receives the ball, they cannot move
• Forces variety:
 – short lobs
 – long lobs
 – angled lobs
 – throwing from awkward distances

4️⃣ Hitting Version (Advanced Troopers/Titans)

• Lobsters use rackets to hit gentle lobs
• Crabbie uses mini net or racket to catch
• Keep all hitters on one side for safety if rackets are used

🪶 Feathers (Make It Easier)

• Use bigger balls
• Bring throwers closer
• Allow the crab to catch after bounce
• Make the crab channel wider
• Let lobsters take a small step forward before throwing

🔥 Challenges (Harder)

• Two balls in play
• Lobsters must alternate: high lob → low skim → high lob
• Crabbie must stay low entire round
• Timed challenge: “Crab has 20 seconds to survive!”
• Lobsters score double if they lob without moving

🛡️ Safety Notes

• Always use soft balls
• When using rackets:
 – Keep both lobsters on the same side of the channel
 – Large spacing
• Crabbie must stay inside their lane
• No throwing at faces — all lobs must be up & over

‍ ‍🎾 Wall Rally – Indoor Tennis Activity Sheet

A brilliant indoor skill-builder where every child finds a wall space and works through a series of fun challenges to develop touch, control, timing and rally rhythm.

🧩 Setup

• Each child finds a safe, clear section of wall
• 1 ball per player (start with football or large soft ball)
• 1 racket per player (used later in the activity)
• Ensure clear space behind and to the side of each child

⭐ Warm-Up Phase (No Racket)

1️⃣ Roll & Stop – 1 minute

• Roll the football along the floor into the wall
• Ball rolls back → child stops it with two hands
• Focus: soft hands, ready position, bending knees

2️⃣ Toss–Bounce–Catch – 1 minute

• Toss the ball gently against the wall
• Let it bounce once on the floor
• Catch with two hands
• Focus: timing, judging bounce, hand–eye coordination

🎾 Racket Phase

3️⃣ Push Control (Racket Only)

• Start with ball on the ground
• Gently push or “nudge” the ball into the wall
• Let it come back → use 1–2 control touches before pushing again
• Goal: control + accuracy, not power

4️⃣ Groundstroke Rally (Bounce Hit)

• Hit ball into the wall → let it bounce → hit again
• Optional: allow 1–2 control bounces/taps between each hit
• Goal: rally to 10 hits

🔺 Progressions

Ball Progressions

Move through these as they succeed:

1. Football

2. Fat ball

3. Mini red tennis ball

4. Orange ball

Skill Progressions

• Volleys only against the wall
• Groundstroke → volley pattern
• Serve → groundstroke
• Rally to 10, then 15, then 20
• Aim for specific targets on the wall (use markers, cones or tape)

🪶 Feathers (Make It Easier)

• Use a bigger/slower ball
• Allow multiple bounces
• Stand closer to the wall
• Use a parent/coach to help with ball control
• Start with stationary drop feeds instead of rolling/bouncing

🔥 Challenges (Harder)

• Rally must be continuous (no control touches)
• Move sideways between hits
• Hit from further back
• Alternate forehand/backhand each hit
• Serve → volley → groundstroke → catch

🎯 Coaching Points

✔ Low-to-high swing shape
✔ Sideways body position
✔ Early preparation
✔ Soft hands on control touches
✔ Watch the ball after rebound

If you'd like, I can also produce a visual diagram (no text) showing:
• Children spaced along a wall
• Rolling → toss → push → hit sequences
• Different ball types
• Rally pathway

 ‍ ‍

🎾 Rally Riders

A dynamic partner challenge where players move in sync — side-stepping across the court while rallying together.

🌟 Story / Theme

You and your partner are Rally Riders, racing across the tennis plains! Keep the engine running (your rally) and travel from one side of the court to the other without breaking down. 🏍💨

🎯 Objective

Develop coordination, teamwork, footwork rhythm, spacing, and rally control while moving laterally.

🧩 Setup

• Use one tramline width
• Players in pairs, facing each other 2–3 metres apart
• One ball per pair (beanbag/football optional)
• Cones at each end for start/finish
• Emphasise moving together and keeping level as they side-step

🔺 Main Progressions

1️⃣ Warm-Up Pass (no racket)

Side-step together while underarm passing. Bounce-catch → direct passes.

2️⃣ Racket & Throw Combo

One throws, one hits after a bounce; swap roles on the return. Focus on timing, spacing, and staying in sync.

3️⃣ Double Racket Rally

Both with rackets, rally while moving across. Soft touches + communication. First team to finish wins 🏁

4️⃣ Pole Rally Challenge

Partners hold one mini-hurdle pole between them. Rally over the pole.
➡ Helps rhythm, spacing, teamwork.

5️⃣ Hoop Control Rally

Partners hold a hoop together and rally through it.
➡ They can tilt the hoop slightly to make control easier.

6️⃣ Advanced: Volley Riders

Volleys only, moving together — with pole, hoop, or no connector. Full challenge mode 🚀

🪶 Feathers (make it easier)

• Use slower or larger balls
• Allow extra bounces
• Reduce distance
• Start stationary before moving
• Parent/coach can act as partner
• Players may adjust the pole/hoop angle to help rally success

🔥 Extra Challenges (harder)

• There-and-back twice (timed)
• Call “hit!” / “bounce!” in rhythm
• Use non-dominant hand
• Add weaving obstacles

🎉 Seasonal Alternatives

🎅 Christmas Riders – “Ho-Ho-Go!” with red/green balls
🐣 Easter Riders – Bunny hops + egg ball
🎃 Halloween Haul – Ghost Riders with a pumpkin ball
💘 Valentine’s Volley – Don’t drop the heart
☀️ Summer Adventure – Rally through a “lifebuoy” hoop

Kissing Frogs 🐸💋🐸

A bouncy, silly adventure game through the lily pads – with a cheeky twist!

🌱 Story / Theme:

The frogs have lost their way across the lily pond! Help them hop from lily pad to lily pad — and when they meet a friend on another pad, they must share a kiss to complete their journey! 🐸💋🐸
But beware! Flying fish, jellyfish, turtles, and now flatfish are causing chaos in the pond…

🎾 Equipment:

• 1 racket per player (placed on the floor as lily pads)

• Beanbags (starter frogs)

• Foam balls (frog mode activated!)

• Scarves (jellyfish 🪸)

• Frisbees or foam discs (flying fish 🐟)

• Flat marker circles (flatfish 🐠 – “drop-down” zones)

• Footballs or basketballs (rolling turtles 🐢)

• Cones to mark out lily pad zone

🧩 Setup:

• Space out rackets randomly across the play area (strings facing up = lily pads).

• Add a few flatfish marker circles between pads — these are “slippery spots” frogs can bounce on but not stay too long!

• Place a bucket of beanbags or foam balls at the start line.

• Mark out a wide boundary for obstacles to fly/roll across.

🎮 How to Play – Phase by Phase:

🌟 Phase 1: Lily Pad Toss

1.        Players start at the edge of the pond.

2.        They throw beanbags (frogs) onto as many lily pads (rackets) as possible.

3.        Challenge: Can you get one frog on every lily pad?

🐸 Phase 2: Frog Hopping (Hands First, Then Racket!)

1.        Players now use foam balls — they must first bounce the frog using their hands from pad to pad.

2.        Once confident, they switch to using their racket to bounce the frog across.

3.        If the frog misses or falls off, restart from the beginning or previous pad.

4.        Focus: Light touch, steady rhythm, and accuracy.

💋 Phase 3: Frog Kissing Race

1.        Players must bounce their frog onto every lily pad — but to win, their frog must also “kiss” (touch) another player’s frog during the route!

2.        Once the frog has kissed and visited all lily pads, race to the finish line.

3.        First player to complete the journey with a kiss wins!

🔁 Progressions:

Use rubber dots, as smaller lily pads; children have to travel on these to launch their frogs from

1.        Stepping stones (rubber dots) children have to travel on these to launch their frogs from

2.        Flying Fish (Scarf Toss) – Coaches or players toss scarves slowly from side to side. Frogs must avoid getting “hit.”

3.        Flatfish Drop Zones – Players must bounce through the flatfish circles without stopping (too slippery to stay on!).

4.        Jellyfish Stretch – If a scarf touches the frog, players must freeze and “unstick” it slowly.

5.        Rolling Turtles (Football obstacle) – Coaches roll balls across the pond to knock frogs off lily pads.

6.        Speed Mode – Add a timer! Who can complete all lily pads (and a frog kiss) the fastest?

7.        Multi-Kiss – Players must kiss two or more different frogs before finishing.

8.        Partner Frogs – Players work in pairs, guiding the same frog between them to each lily pad, taking turns bouncing.

🪶 Feathers

• Little tots use beanbags and drop them on the lily pads, first before progressing to balls

(Skill Focus):

• Agility: Moving between pads while avoiding distractions

• Balance & Control: Light bounces with hands and racket

• Coordination: Timing throws, catches, and frog bounces

• Teamwork: Partner progressions and “frog kisses”

• Decision Making: Choosing safe pads or paths under pressure

‍ ‍🧭 Game Layout:

• Children line up on one side of the court/hall (start line).
• Coach stands about 10–12 metres away with back turned.
• Coach wears scarves/tails tucked into waistband.
• Each child holds a racket.
• Space marked with cones:

• Start line

• Grandmother Zone where coach stands.

🔶 Stage 1 – Demonstration & Practice (1 minute)

Purpose: Teach sneaking + freezing before adding competition.

🟡 What to Practise

• Quiet tip-toe movement
• Racket held up
• FREEZE in ready position when coach turns (racket in front of body, wide stance, hips facing forward)
• Balance: feet apart, knees bent

🟡 Quick “Go / Freeze” Drill

Coach calls “Go!” → kids walk
Coach calls “Freeze!” → coach spins
Kids freeze like statues.

🔶 Stage 2 – Main Game (Grandmother’s Footsteps)

1. Coach turns back to children.

2. Coach calls “Go!” — children sneak forward.

3. Coach spins quickly — “FREEZE!”

4. If a player moves → back to the start line.

5. First child to reach the coach and grab the scarf tail wins.

6. Reset and repeat 2–3 rounds.

🧮 SCORING SYSTEM (Optional)

• First child to snatch the tail = Winner
• Play multiple rounds so more kids succeed
• High-five the “Best Freezers” each round

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger Children)

• Coach turns around more slowly
• Walking only — no running or fast sneaking
• Coach counts “1…2…3… TURN!” to give warning
• Children start closer to coach
• Use a longer scarf tail to make success easier
• Assistant coach helps spot movers
• Allow multiple winners before resetting

⚡️ Progressions (For Older or Confident Children)

• Sudden, unpredictable turns
• Add fake turns (coach flinches without turning fully)
• Children must freeze in perfect ready position
• Use tennis-specific footwork:

• Side steps

• Split step

• Crossover step
  • Add two coaches — one turning, one spotting
  • Add multiple tails (2–3) so several players can win
  • Add a “Safe Zone” halfway; if spotted inside it, only step back one cone
  • Add bonus tail worth 2 points

Let the children be the Grandmother! Warning: you may have an issue with timing if they all want to have a go, you may get around it by saying the winner of the last round can be the grandmother.  

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• “Freeze BIG — freeze STRONG!”
• “Racket up in the air, still and quiet.”
• “Eyes forward, feet apart, knees ready.”
• Praise balance and sharp reaction stops
• Keep rounds short → high engagement

🌈 Seasonal Alternatives

🎄 Christmas – Sneaky Elves

Coach = Santa 🎅
Kids = Elves sneaking up to grab Santa’s present sack tail.
Add Christmas cones, tinsel tail, festive music.

🐣 Easter – Bunny Footsteps

Coach = Easter Bunny 🐇
Kids sneak up to snatch the golden egg tail.
Use pastel cones and call freezes “Egg Freeze!”

🎃 Halloween – Ghost Hunter

Coach = Ghost/Witch 👻🧙
Kids creep through the haunted hall to grab the pumpkin tail.
Use orange cones, cobweb props, spooky music.

💘 Valentine’s – Cupid’s Footsteps

Kids sneak to steal the heart tail from Cupid.
Red/pink cones, call the freezes “LOVE FREEZE!” ❤️

👩‍👧 Mother’s Day – Garden Fairies

Coach = Mum Fairy 🌸
Kids sneak through the magic garden to grab the flower tail.

👨‍👧 Father’s Day – Super Dad Smash

Coach = Super Dad 🦸‍♂️
Kids tip-toe to steal the cape tail.
Use cones as “buildings” in a mini city.

‍ ‍🍝 Meatball Madness

It's a wild day in the tennis kitchen! One child is the Meatball Chef 👨‍🍳, the other is the Wrap Maker 🌯 — together, they’ll collect ingredients and build the perfect wrap! The more ingredients you add, the more points you earn!

🧺 Equipment Needed:

• 🟠 Soft balls = “Meatballs”
• 🎾 2 tennis rackets per pair = “Tongs”
• 🔵 Flat circle cones = “Wraps”
• 🧀 Yellow cones/beanbags = “Cheese”
• 🥕 Green cones/beanbags = “Vegetables”
• 🧣 Scarves = “Sauce”
• 🪣 Tub or bucket = “delivery bags”

👯 How to Play (in pairs):

1. 👨‍🍳 Player 1: Meatball Chef:
   • Uses two rackets like tongs to grab a meatball
   • Carefully carries it through the kitchen zone
   • Optional: can also pick up any other ingredients using racket tongs: cheese 🧀 veggies 🥕 Sauce 🧣 (marked by cones with drop-down lines), collecting them as they go
   • Delivers all to the Wrap Maker

2. 🌯 Player 2: Wrap Maker:
   • Takes a flat circle “wrap”
   • Folds it over the ingredients
   • Adds a scarf sauce on top 🧣
   • Places the finished wrap in the tub 🪣

3. 🔁 Swap roles after a few wraps — teamwork is key!

🏆 Scoring: optional (better for Titans)

• +1️⃣ point for each completed wrap
• +1️⃣ bonus for cheese 🧀
• +1️⃣ bonus for veggies 🥕
• +1️⃣ bonus for sauce 🧣
• ✅ Most complete wraps = the winning kitchen team!

🧠 Skill Focus:

• Racket control 🎾
• Teamwork 🤝
• Balance and movement 🏃‍♀️
• Role play and sequencing 🎭

🪶 Feathers (Support for Younger Players):

• Don’t pair them up; have some children be the chefs and others make the wraps, but don’t have it structured.

👫 Parents guide each step — helping collect ingredients
• Let children use one racket and their hand if needed
• Make ingredient stations closer together
• Use beanbags instead of balls for easier control

🛠 Progressions & Fun Variations:

1. Spinning Sauce: Wrap maker spins once before placing the scarf

2. Obstacle Kitchen: Add cones or nets to dodge around

3. Timed Service: Complete as many wraps as possible in 3 minutes!

4. Creative Combo: Add silly combo names for each ingredient wrap (“The Crunchy Veggie Melt!”)

🥪 Sandwich Shop

🎯 A creative game focused on balance, control, coordination, colour matching, and fun!
⏱️ Duration: 8–12 minutes

🎤 Coach Script / Introduction

“Who’s hungry? 🍞 Welcome to the Tennis Tots Sandwich Shop! Today you’re not just tennis players — you're chefs!
Your job is to make a sandwich, carry it carefully to the customer, and drop it into the right delivery bag!”

Sit the children down at one end of the hall near the “ingredients” area and demonstrate.

🧺 Game Setup

• Scatter soft balls and beanbags in a long line (the “ingredients”).

• Ingredients are grouped or colour-coded:

  • 🟡 Cheese = yellow

  • 🔴 Tomato = red

  • 🔵 Blueberry jam = blue

  • 🟢 Salad = green

  • 🟣 Grapes = purple (optional)

• Children use two rackets to clamp together 1–3 “ingredients” (beanbags/balls).

• Set out “delivery bags” (buckets, cones, hoops, etc.) at the opposite end of the space, each colour-coded to match the sandwich fillings.

🚚 How to Play

1.     Build your sandwich using two rackets to scoop and hold the filling(s).

2.     Carry the sandwich across the hall to the serving area (large cones/line).

3.     Drop the filling into the correctly coloured delivery bag — try to keep the sandwich together until you reach the bag!

4.     Return to the start and repeat.

🪶 Feathers (Simplify for Under 3s / Beginners)

• Use beanbags only (easier to balance and colour-code).

• Allow them to carry with hands or just one racket.

• Try making a burrito with a folded drop-down dot over a beanbag if the rackets are difficult to control

• Set the delivery bags much closer.

• Use cones on their side instead of upright bags to drop into.

• Let adults/assistants help “build” the sandwich.

⚡️ Progressions (Older / Confident Children)

• Introduce foam balls as sandwich fillings (harder to balance).

• Encourage building sandwiches with multiple ingredients.

• Add a challenge zone:

  • Move the bags further away so children must fling the sandwich contents (not the rackets!) by opening their rackets in a coordinated movement.

• Introduce a relay format or team competition:

  • How many sandwiches can you deliver in 2 minutes?

• Use racket hand only, or alternate hands each round.

🎾 Coaching Tips

• Emphasise control: soft, steady hands on the rackets.

• Demonstrate how to clamp and release evenly — both rackets open together.

• Reinforce matching skills: talk through colours, food names, and what makes a “complete” sandwich.

• For older players, challenge them to balance while walking heel-to-toe or on lines for added focus.

Seasonal variations for the 🥪 Sandwich Shop game — each version adds a themed twist while preserving the original structure of carrying and delivering “sandwiches” using rackets or alternatives:

🎄 Christmas – Christmas Dinner Dash

Children are delivering Christmas dinners to Santa’s elves! Replace fillings with festive items like turkey (brown ball), sprouts (green beanbag), cranberry sauce (red cone), and roasties (yellow ball). Sandwiches are still held between rackets, and delivery cones are labelled with elf names or "North Pole Mail." Kids must carry their Christmas sandwich to the matching colour cone or “chimney.”

🐣 Easter – Easter Picnic Drop-Off

Children are delivering picnic snacks to baby bunnies! Fill sandwiches with chocolate eggs (foil balls or beanbags), carrots (orange cones), or lettuce (green cones), and walk them to baskets (upturned cones or tubs). Add “bunny hops” before delivering to make it fun! Use burritos (drop-down dots with beanbags inside) for younger ones.

🎃 Halloween – Monster Meal Delivery

Children are chefs delivering spooky sandwiches to hungry monsters! Fill with monster eyeballs (white balls), slime (green beanbags), or bat wings (black cones). Carry your sandwich across the haunted hall and drop it into monster mouths (cones with faces drawn on). You can decorate the rackets with cobweb stickers too.

❤️ Valentine’s Day – Love Letter Lunches

Kids deliver “heart sandwiches” full of love to their secret admirers 💌. Fillings might be hearts (red/pink cones or beanbags), and the delivery zones are mailboxes or cones with Valentine messages. Encourage whispering a kind message before dropping their sandwich. Bonus: Let them decorate their rackets with heart stickers.

👩‍👧 Mother’s Day – Mum’s Breakfast in Bed

Kids build Mum a lovely breakfast sandwich with toast (yellow cones), jam (red), and tea bags (brown beanbags). Gently walk the sandwich to “Mum’s bed” (pink delivery cone) without dropping it. Use burritos as an easier alternative for younger players.

👨‍👦 Father’s Day – Dad’s Mega Sandwich

Kids make a supersized sandwich with strong fillings like sausages (brown balls), mustard (yellow beanbags), or tools (grey cones!) and deliver to the “Dad Zone.” Use cones with ties or moustaches drawn on. For older kids, move the delivery zones further back and challenge them to throw the filling — not the rackets!

 Adaptations & Feathers:

For Younger Kids (ages 4–6):

• Each child has 3 lives.

• Give “shields” (rackets held out front) to help defend.

• Allow throwing the ball back in if striking is too hard.

• Use a tee to drop-feed if struggling with timing.

For Older Kids (ages 7+):

• Must hit using backhands only, or serve-only challenges.

• Coaches or eliminated kids can hit from a greater distance. From the ring to increase difficultly

• Set time limits per round for intensity.

Bonus Feathers:

• Let eliminated players earn a “life” back with a challenge (e.g., rally 5 shots with a coach).

🏆 Winning Moment:

• Crown the last child “King or Queen of the Court” – give them a fun token like a toy crown or wristband.

Seasonal themed variations for your game “👑 King or Queen of the Court”, designed to keep the gameplay fresh and festive while retaining the structure and key coaching goals:

🎄 **Christmas – “Santa’s Sleigh Dodge” 🛷🎅🎁

🎯 Setup: Kids are elves in Santa’s sleigh loading zone, dodging incoming falling presents (soft balls) from mischievous snowmen (coaches outside the ring).
🎅 Out? You become a helper elf, feeding more “presents” from outside the ring.
🧝‍♂️ Last elf standing becomes Chief Elf and gets a jingle bell prize!

🐣 **Easter – “Egg Arena!” 🐰🥚

🎯 Setup: Players are dodging falling chocolate eggs (foam balls) launched by the Easter Bunny's helpers.
🥚 Out? They become egg-launchers!
🌟 Bonus: Catch a golden egg (yellow foam ball) to earn an extra life!

🎃 **Halloween – “Pumpkin Panic!” 🎃👻

🎯 Setup: The ring becomes a haunted graveyard!
Kids dodge haunted pumpkins (orange balls) thrown by ghosts outside the ring.
👻 If you’re “haunted,” you become a ghost too!
🧙‍♀️ Last survivor becomes the Pumpkin Prince/Princess and earns a spooky sticker!

💘 **Valentine’s – “Cupid’s Ring” 💘🏹

🎯 Setup: Kids are in the “Heart Arena,” dodging Cupid’s arrows (soft balls in pink/red).
💝 If hit, they become Cupid’s helpers on the outside.
🕊️ Optional twist: players inside have to hold a “love letter” (beanbag) and protect it from being knocked out of their hands!

👩‍👧‍👦 **Mother’s Day – “Breakfast Dash!” 🍳☕

🎯 Setup: Children are serving imaginary breakfast to mum – don’t spill it!
Balls = flying croissants or cups of tea thrown by “hungry family members.”
🍞 If you drop it, join the family and start lobbing more breakfast in!
👑 Last one = “Head Chef of the Court!”

👨‍👦‍👦 **Father’s Day – “Tool Shed Scramble!” 🔧🧰

🎯 Setup: Kids are dodging falling tools in dad’s messy garage (balls = hammers, spanners, etc.).
🧰 Once hit, they become helpers, tossing more tools in.
🏆 Winner becomes “Super Sidekick” and gets a pretend wrench (trophy)!

🏆 Finishing Ideas

• Play upbeat music to finish
• Let the last round be just for fun — mix up teams or combine everyone for a MEGA sandwich run!
• Award wristbands/stickers to all participants — focus on teamwork, not just winning

🎉 Seasonal Variations

🎄 Christmas Dash – "Santa's Delivery Race"
• Swap beanbags for small wrapped presents or stuffed stockings
• Use cones shaped like Christmas trees 🎄
• Story: “You’re Santa’s elves — deliver the presents without dropping them!”
• Add sleigh bell sound effects or play Christmas music

🎃 Halloween Havoc – "Pumpkin Panic Relay"
• Use orange cones and mini pumpkins (or orange balls)
• Story: “You’re racing through a spooky forest to deliver the magical pumpkins before the witch wakes up!”
• Add cobweb decorations or play spooky music 🎃👻

🥚 Easter Hop – "Egg Hunt Dash"
• Use colourful eggs (plastic or foam) balanced on rackets
• Set out “Easter nests” (hoops) for them to deliver eggs into
• Story: “The Easter Bunny needs your help hiding eggs all over the court!” 🐰

💘 Valentine's Race – "Heart to Heart"
• Replace beanbags with red foam hearts ❤️
• Players pair up for the sandwich race – “Spread the love as a team!”
• Add a “Cupid Challenge” — hit a foam arrow (cone) down the lane with the racket

🌷 Mother’s Day – "Flower Dash"
• Each child delivers a foam flower to a big cone marked “Mum”
• Use soft music and keep it gentle – “Let’s run carefully so we don’t squish the petals!” 💐
• Parents can join in and receive a “thank you flower” at the end

🛠 Father’s Day – "Tool Time Relay"
• Beanbags = “tools,” buckets = “toolboxes”
• Kids pretend they’re racing to fix something — bonus points for sound effects!
• Add a “high five Dad” station before tagging the next player 👋🔧

🎾 Rally in the Alley 🎾

A fun and structured rally game for pairs!

Setup:

• Set up as many mini-nets as possible in parallel across the tennis court.

• Use court lines or drop-down markers to establish clear baselines.

• Position the activity near a corner to use fences/ walls as backstops and sidestops, the idea is to limit disruption of ball flying all over the place; keeping it contained.

👯‍♂️ Step 1: Friends Mode

Pairs rally together to build control, teamwork, and technique.

➡️ Start by pushing a football to each other from baseline to baseline.
➡️ Focus on controlling and pushing the ball (sideways on using forwards and backwards motion) before progressing to hitting.

Progressions:

• Control ➡️ Hit forehands

• Control ➡️ Hit backhands

• Rally freely with forehands and backhands

Challenge:
🎉 “Bingo!” – Count successful rallies.

• Reach 10 hits and shout “Bingo!” then sit down, see who is first pair to sit

• Repeat with 15, 20, or 30 hits, alternating forehands and backhands.

⚔️ Step 2: Enemies Mode

Now the pairs compete to win points!

🎯 Objective: Try to push or hit the ball past your partner’s baseline.

Teaching Points:
🦀 Move like a crab: stay facing opponent, recover to middle
🎾 Must Keep the ball on the ground
👌 Unlimited touches to control

🏆 Win the point if your opponent lets the ball pass their baseline.
🔁 Rotate partners regularly – winners move up, others move down

🎯 Target practice game to develop aim, coordination, and correct swing mechanics

⏱️ Duration:
5–8 minutes

🎤 Coach Script / Setup

“Okay troops! Your mission today is to take down the enemy soldiers — but not with swords or water balloons… with your best tennis shots! These rackets have lined up and they're daring you to knock them down! Let’s see if you’ve got the accuracy and the power!”

🧱 Game Setup

• Soldiers = Spare rackets placed upright (handle/butt on ground, strings facing forward)

  • Place 3–6 rackets across from each child

  • If short on rackets, stack traffic cones and round cones into tall unstable towers to simulate soldiers

• Hitting Zone = Tees or Drop Feeds

  • Children take turns hitting balls low to high from a hitting tee or drop feed

• Distance between hitter and soldier wall depends on age/ability

• Parents can help pick up and reset soldiers between turns

🔁 Gameplay

1.       Children line up at their hitting station (tee or feeder).

2.       One ball at a time – aim to knock over a “soldier” (racket or cone tower).

3.       Hitters use forehand technique (low to high) first.

4.       When soldiers fall, parents/coaches reset them quickly.

5.       After a few rounds, progress to backhand or self-feed.

🪶 Feathers (Simplify for Younger Children)

• Let them throw the ball underarm to start

• Reduce distance to soldiers

• Use larger balls for more success

• Place ball in child’s hand and guide their swing together

• Let parents support hand placement and help reset soldiers

⚡ Progressions (Older or Confident Children)

• Drop Feed: Children toss the ball and hit it themselves instead of from a tee

• Backhand Challenge: Have children switch to backhand side and adjust footwork

• Hit from movement: Add a side step or small shuffle before contact

• Scoring: 1 point per soldier knocked down, track team scores for competition

• Timed Challenge: Knock down all soldiers in 30 seconds

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• Emphasise low-to-high swing

• Sideways stance for both forehand and backhand

• Encourage early preparation – racket back and eyes on the ball

• Use “split step then hit” cue if child is rushing

• Praise accuracy over power – “aim not smash!”

Seasonal variations for the "Racket Soldiers" game — keeping the same gameplay (children hitting down upright rackets or cone towers), but changing the theme and props slightly to match the season:

🎄 Christmas – Knock Down the Naughty Elves

Santa’s workshop is under siege from mischievous elves who are standing upright (rackets or cone towers). Children must use their tennis balls to knock them down before they cause more trouble! Parents can help set the elves back up quickly. Optional: place little elf hats (paper cut-outs or visuals) on the top of cones/rackets for effect. 🎅🎄🎁

🎃 Halloween – Smash the Skeletons

Skeleton soldiers (white rackets or cone towers) are guarding the haunted tennis court! Kids must smash them down using tennis balls. Spooky music and “BOO!” sounds encouraged. For added fun, use glow sticks or spooky stickers on the targets. 👻🕸️💀

🐣 Easter – Topple the Chocolate Bunnies

Giant chocolate bunnies (cone towers with round cones as ears or decorated rackets) have popped up on court! Kids must gently knock them down to collect their Easter treats. Optional: place a chocolate wrapper or Easter sticker on each “bunny” to collect after it’s hit. 🐰🍫🌸

💘 Valentine’s – Cupid’s Target Practice

Cupid has lined up heart-shaped towers (use pink/red rackets or cones with heart stickers). Children aim their balls to knock them down as practice for spreading love across the land! Add red or pink beanbags as “love letters” to deliver after each successful hit. 💘🎾💌

💐 Mother’s Day – Knock Down the Flower Pots

Beautiful flower displays (cone towers or upright rackets) are blocking the tennis garden — children must gently knock them over so the flowers can be rearranged. Use round cones in pink, purple, and yellow to resemble petals. 🪻🌼🌷

👔 Father’s Day – Tip Over the Toolboxes

The tennis court has been turned into Dad’s workshop! The upright rackets or cones are now “toolboxes” standing in the way. Knock them down with tennis balls and rebuild them quickly! Add fun stickers of tools (spanners, screwdrivers) to the towers. 🧰🔧🎾

🪣🎯 Story / Theme:

A fun accuracy challenge where kids try to land beanbags into a “pot” that keeps moving further away. 🚶‍♂️↩️👧

🧰 Equipment:

• 🪣 1 tub, bucket, or large pot per pair
• 🟠 Beanbags (or small foam balls)
• ⚽ Footballs (optional variation)

🎮 How to Play:

1. 🧍‍♂️👧 Line children up on the baseline, with parents standing in front holding a tub.

2. 🟠 Each child throws a beanbag aiming to land it in the tub.

3. ✅ If they make it, the parent takes a big step back. 👣

4. 🛑 If they miss, the parent takes a step forward. 🔁

5. 🔄 After a few turns, swap roles — the child holds the pot and the parent throws. 👨‍👧‍👦

⏫ Progressions:

1. ⚽ Ball Swap: Use footballs instead of beanbags — allow one bounce before catching.

2. 🤾 Throwing Styles: Encourage side-arm or rugby-style throws for variety.

3. 🏃 Moving Target: The catcher walks side-to-side while holding the tub. 🪣👣

PACMAN 🎮 – Balance & Court Awareness Game

Duration: 5–10 mins
Age group: 3–10 yrs (adapt as needed)

📝 Setup & Description:

This fun game helps children develop balance, footwork, and spatial awareness using the tennis court lines.

1. Each child starts with a beanbag balanced on their racket.

2. They must walk only along the court lines — baseline, service lines, tramlines, etc.

3. The goal is to keep the beanbag balanced while continuously moving, staying on the lines, and not bumping into others.

4. If they meet another player head-on, they must turn around or swap paths.

5. Introduce the coach as “Professor RacketHands” — walk behind children banging two rackets like cymbals. The professor must also stay on the lines.

6. If the Professor catches up or the child drops the beanbag, they’re “out” or return to the start.

🪶 Feathers (Simplified):

• Children can stop briefly to rebalance the beanbag.

• Coach walks slower as Professor RacketHands; NB some of the children wont like it so judge the age etc

• Allow children to walk without racket — simply carry beanbag and follow lines.

• Instead of elimination, if caught, just “restart.”

⚡️ Progressions (Advanced):

• Use balls instead of beanbags for more balance challenge.

• Introduce friendly sabotage: players can try to gently knock off others’ beanbags if they meet.

• Make it a last one standing challenge — if you drop it or get tagged, you're out.

• Add more professors (assistant coaches or parents) to increase pressure.

• Try fast-walk or tiptoe only rounds. 

🟡 Pac-Man – Seasonal Variations

(Original Game Concept: Kids dribble their balls through a maze while avoiding “Ghosts” played by coaches or parents)

🎃 Halloween – Pumpkin-Pac
Children are mini pumpkins trying to escape spooky ghosts (coaches in costume or with masks). Decorate the maze with cobwebs or mini skeleton cones. They must escape while collecting “pumpkin seeds” (beanbags). 👻🎃

🐣 Easter – Eggy-Pac
Children are Easter eggs being chased by sneaky foxes or rabbits. The maze is filled with pastel-coloured cones, and the eggs have to dribble their ball (the yolk!) to safety — collecting “chocolate drops” (mini cones) along the way. 🐰🥚🍫

🎄 Christmas – Santa-Pac
Players are Santa’s elves delivering presents through the North Pole maze. Coaches are Grinches trying to catch them. Kids collect “gift tags” (small cones/beanbags) while navigating snowy obstacles (white cones). 🎅❄️🎁

💘 Valentine’s – Heart-Pac
Children are hearts running through a maze of love! They dribble their balls through rosy red and pink cones while avoiding Cupid’s arrows (gentle coach interference). Every time they make it across, they drop a heart token in the love jar. 💘🏹

👩 Mother’s Day / 👨 Father’s Day – Flower-Pac
Children are flowers in bloom trying to avoid rain clouds (coaches). The aim is to collect sunlight tokens (yellow beanbags) while dribbling around watering can cones and back to their parent’s flowerpot. 🌼☀️

Moon Mice   🌕🐭🧀

🌕🚀 Story / Theme

The brave space explorers 🧑‍🚀 must travel through a meteor field ☄️ to the moon 🌕, collect cheese 🧀, and bring it safely back to Earth 🌍 — but the mischievous moon mice 🐭 are waiting to steal it!

🧰 Equipment

• 🟠 Traffic cones tipped on their side (meteors)
• 🟡 Yellow round cones (moon surface)
• 🧀 Soft balls hidden under yellow cones (cheese)
• 🟢 Green cones or hoop to mark Earth
• 🪣 Tub/bucket to collect the cheese
• 🧸 Balls on strings or beanbags (simplified option)
• 🪖 Optional: Round cones as “helmets”
• ⚽ Optional: Large inflatable ball (for kick/dribble challenge)

🎮 How to Play

1. ☄️ Scatter traffic cones to create a meteor field.

2. 🌕 Create the moon at one end using yellow round cones, each hiding a cheese ball.

3. 🌍 At the opposite end, mark Earth with a circle of green cones and place a bucket inside.

4. 🧑‍🚀 Players navigate the meteor field, avoiding cones to reach the moon.

5. 🧀 They lift one cheese at a time and balance it on their racket.

6. 🐭 On the return journey, moon mice (coaches/parents) try to steal cheese if it drops!

7. 🌍 Children deliver the cheese to Earth by placing it in the tub.

8. 🔁 Repeat until all the cheese is collected.

🐣 Feathers

• 🫘 Use beanbags instead of balls to make balancing easier for younger children.

🧠 Progressions

1. 🪖 Helmet Challenge: Balance a round cone on the head while carrying cheese.

2. 🧺 Multi-Collection: Collect more than one cheese at a time.

3. ⚽ Dribble Challenge: Carry cheese while kicking or dribbling an inflatable ball.

🌀 Variations

• 🏃‍♂️ Team Race: Two teams collect from the same moon — the team with the most cheese wins!
• ❓ Hidden Cheese: Only some yellow cones contain cheese — adds surprise!
• 🕵️ Sneaky Mode: Players can sneak into the moon mice’s lair and try to steal back lost cheese without being caught!

Seasonal

Story / Theme:
The moles are busy hiding tennis balls under the ground, while the squirrels want to stash them safely on top of the cones. Can your team complete their mission before the other side?

Equipment:

·       2 buckets or baskets (1 at each end of the space)

·       Plenty of tennis balls

·       Round dome cones (any colours) scattered through the centre area

How to Play:

1.     Split the group into two teams – Moles and Squirrels.

2.     Place a bucket of tennis balls for each team at opposite ends of the hall or court.

3.     Scatter round cones throughout the centre to make the “field.”

4.     Moles: hide balls under cones.

5.     Squirrels: place balls on top of cones.

6.     At the start, players may only place balls on empty cones.

7.     When all balls are placed (or after a set time), the coach calls “Steal!” – teams can now take balls placed by the other side and move them to their position.

Progressions:

1.      Role Swap: At any point, the coach can call “Swap!” and Moles become Squirrels, Squirrels become Moles.

2.      Timed Rounds: Limit each round to 1–2 minutes for quick, high-energy play.

3.      Extra Obstacles: Add cones or markers that players must run around before placing a ball.

Variations:

·       Competitive: Count how many cones are “won” by each team at the end to declare a winner.

·       Colour Match: Assign each team a cone colour they must use (e.g., Moles = blue cones only).

·       Relay Version: Only one player per team can be in the field at a time — tag teammates to swap.

.

Seasonal alternatives for Moles vs Squirrels 🐿️🎾 — one for each key celebration:

🎄 Christmas – “Elves vs Snowmen” ☃️🎁

The Elves are busy hiding presents under snow mounds (dome cones), while the Snowmen want to stack them neatly on top for Santa to collect.
🎅 Use festive-coloured balls (red, green, gold) and call “SNOWSTORM!” to trigger the Steal phase where teams can switch up the other’s presents!

🐣 Easter – “Chicks vs Bunnies” 🐰🥚

🐣 Chicks want to bury their eggs under the grass (under cones), while Bunnies want to hide them in bushes (on top of cones).
🌸 At “EGG HUNT!” the sides can sneak the other team’s eggs back to their side.
Use pastel-coloured cones and eggs for full effect!

🎃 Halloween – “Witches vs Goblins” 🧙‍♀️🎃

Witches hide spells and potions under cauldrons (cones), while Goblins try to place their pumpkin stash on top.
🕸️ When the coach shouts “TRICK OR TREAT!” the teams can sabotage each other’s stash.

💘 Valentine’s – “Hearts vs Hugs” 💞💌

One team hides valentines under envelopes (cones), while the other stacks chocolates or flowers on top.
💌 Playfully chaotic — when “LOVE STORM!” is called, teams rush to move each other’s tokens before the timer ends.

‍  Million Ball Match

Two teams compete to clear their side of the court by throwing or hitting as many softballs over the net as possible. The team with fewer balls on their side when time is up wins!

🛠️ Setup:

• Create a mini-court using cones or mini-nets.

• Place a net across the middle (or cones/line as a divider if indoors).

• Use soft foam balls (20–50 balls, depending on numbers).

• Split players into two teams, one on each side.

• Place balls evenly across both sides or in a pile in the middle to start.

🎯 How to Play:

1. On the whistle, players throw or hit softballs over the net to the other team’s side.

2. They can use rackets (forehands/backhands/ serves), throw with their hands, or roll.

3. Coaches/parents help monitor and encourage from the outside.

4. After a set time (e.g. 2–3 minutes), blow the whistle to stop.

5. Teams sit down and count the balls on their own side. The team with fewer balls wins the round!

🐣Feathers For Younger Children (ages 3–6):

• ✅ Throw only – no rackets needed to start.

• ✅ Allow rolling under the net for success.

• ✅ Play in short bursts (30 seconds to 1 minute).

• 🛡️ Add “Shield Zone” – a safe zone where 1 child can hold a racket and block.

• 👑 “Crown” the Most Helpful Teammate (not just winners).

🧗 Progressions For Older Children (ages 7+):

• 🎾 Must use rackets only to hit balls.

• 🎯 Designated hitters – assign 1–2 strikers per team, others feed.

• 🚫 No stepping in front of the service line.

• 🔁 Add a “reverse round”: each team must clear specific colour balls only.

• 🕒 Add a countdown timer for fast-paced final 30 seconds.

• 🧩 Introduce a “golden football” worth –2 points if it’s on your side at the end.

• 📦 Create a net trap: any ball caught on the net stays and counts as a penalty.

• IMPORTANT: Make sure the children are not too close to one another. If they are close to hitting one another, take their rackets off them and revert to throwing.

• 🧹 Clean-up Crew: After each round, get kids to collect balls into a tub to reset – great for teamwork and structure. At points to incentivise cleanup

‍  Jewel Thief 💎

🎯 Objective:

To practice teamwork, coordination, catching, colour-matching, and eventually racket control through a fun, competitive "jewel heist" relay game.

🧠 Setup

• Jewels: Use round flat cones of different colours. Each team has 4–5 upside-down cones representing "jewels" stored in cases.

• Cases: Place the cones at the feet of one player at each end of the activity space.

• Teams: Players work in pairs or threes. Space them apart depending on age and skill level. A barrier/net can be used between them if available.

• Projectiles:

  • Foam or mini-red balls.

🕵️ How to Play (Main Game)

1. One player begins with all the jewels (flat cones).

2. On the coach’s call (“Go!”), they steal the first jewel and throw it to their teammate.

3. The teammate catches the jewel and places it into the matching case (by colour).

4. Repeat this process for all jewels.

5. Once all jewels are transferred and set, the players switch roles and throw them back to the original player.

6. First pair to have all jewels returned and correctly placed sits down to signal completion.

7. Coach or helper can verify correct colour matching.

🧸 Feathers Adaptation (Under 4s)

Use catching nets/ buckets to catch

Parent Involvement: Parents or coaches can kneel in the centre, helping guide them to the right colour or offering encouragement.

⚙️ Progressions

🎾 Throwing/Catching

• Begin with gentle underarm throws and progress to overarm as skills improve.

• Use nets or buckets for catching instead of hands for variety.

• Upgrade from overarm throws.

🏸 Racket Control

• Catch and return on the racket strings – players try to trap the ball instead of catching with hands.

• Challenge: trap on the backhand side or one hand only.

• Can use hitting tee’s for those who were struggling

🚀 Advanced Progressions

• Slingshot serve or forehand rally to send the jewels back.

• Use serves/ backhands (make sure

• Competitive:

  • First to collect and return all wins.

  • Add a third round to repeat forward and back again.

• Add a central “helper” (coach/parent) who acts as a gem inspector or black market fence, transferring jewels between players to add layers of teamwork.

👻 Seasonal Variations

🎃 Halloween – “Spooky Jewel Heist”

• Jewels are haunted! Use glow-in-the-dark cones or cover them with tissue/ghost stickers.

• Coaches wave scarves or throw flying discs (ghosts!) trying to distract players.

• Add a “Haunted Tower” in the middle that must not be knocked over during throws!

🎄 Christmas – “Elf Express”

• Jewels become Christmas baubles or presents.

• Players wear Santa hats or elf ears.

• Add sleigh bells to players’ shoes or rackets for festive noise.

• The transfer is helping Santa pack the sleigh with colour-matched presents.

🐣 Easter – “Bunny Jewel Drop”

• Jewels are Easter eggs!

• Add mini bunny ears to rackets or use plastic egg cases.

• Players hop instead of run; introduce “burrows” (hoops) they must jump in before throwing.

• Use pastel-coloured beanbags/balls and ask them to find the correct “nest.”