Balloon Keepy-Uppy 🧺🎈
Objective 🎯
Keep the balloon in the air using any part of the body or racket. Don’t let it touch the ground – or it gets very upset! 😢
Note: some young children may not like balloons, please use your judgement; if a child is not happy with balloons please give them something else to do, scarf, ball, etc…
👟 Setup
NB doesn’t work with any wind at all so it's better inside
Children sat in a circle or group
Balloons hidden inside a bag (e.g. drawstring sack)
1–2 balloons blown up in advance
🗣️ Coach Introduction Script
"I've brought something very special in this bag... can anyone guess what it is?"
(Play the guessing game for a minute)
"It's a balloon! But not just any balloon... these are full of air, and they absolutely love floating in the sky 🌤️. But if they touch the ground or stop moving... they get very upset!"
(Make funny sad/crying sounds)
"We have to keep them happy by keeping them in the air! You can use your hands, feet, head, shoulders… even rackets – just don’t let them drop!"
🎈 How to Play
Coach releases a balloon into the air.
Players must keep it in the air using any body part or a racket.
If the balloon touches the ground or is held too long – coach makes a silly “crying” noise and resets the game.
Optional: Add more balloons for chaos & teamwork!
IMPORTANT: IF THE SPACE IS TOO SMALL PLEASE DO NOT USE RACKETS TO AVOID INJURY!
🪶 Feather Levels (Differentiation)
🪶 One Feather – Starter
Only one balloon in play
Use hands only
Coach helps redirect the balloon
🪶🪶 Two Feathers – Developing
Add more balloons
Encourage racket use
Players must stay in their own space
🪶🪶🪶 Three Feathers – Confident
Keep balloon aloft for 10+ hits
Count aloud each hit
Use only rackets or only non-dominant hand
Introduce small challenges (e.g. spin before hitting, or tap it to a partner)
🔁 Progressions & Variations
🧢 Team Rally: Count how many touches as a team before balloon drops
🏃♂️ Movement Balloon: Must travel from one cone to another while keeping balloon up
🎯 Target Zones: Tap the balloon over a line or into a hoop
⛔ No Hands Round: Only use feet, knees, or rackets
🧦 Balloon Chase: Everyone has a balloon to chase and keep upWhatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.