Roll and Run

Students are put into groups of about four (depending on class size). The instructor will place one cone even with the side of the pins and another cone along the bowling line. One team of two players stands behind the pins while the other team of two players stands in a single file behind the bowling line. The first bowler rolls the ball toward the pins and runs to the cone located by the pins attempting to touch it, and returns back before the opposing team can set up any knocked down bowling pins in the correct 10-pin position. The bowler receives one point if he/she successfully makes it back to the bowling line cone before the pin setup team finishes their task and calls out “stop”. The next partner then rolls and runs. The teams switch roles after each player has completed their single turn. No intentional slow rolls are allowed. If the bowler makes it down to the cone before the ball, he or she has to wait until the bowling ball hits the pin(s). Play to 10 points then switch teams. This game not only gets a good workout in but it also gets everyone involved. Have fun playing!

Bowling Pin Soccer

This is another lead up game that I use for my soccer unit. It is called Bowling Pin Soccer. Goals are made in each corner by using floor tape to form a triangle. A bowling pin will be placed in the middle of the triangle to form a goal. The instructor will form four equal teams. Each goalie will be positioned in front of their designated goal. The rest of the students do not have set positions; they can play wherever they want. The game is started with the ball (add another ball later for a twist in the game) in the center; on the whistle, the teams will try to gain possession of the ball and try to knock down the other team’s pin for a goal. The team with the most pins knocked down, wins. No player is allowed inside a triangle during play. However, the goalie is allowed to step inside the triangle to retrieve a dead ball (that is, a ball that stops inside the triangle). The goalie restarts the game with a throw after each dead ball or score. There are no out of bounds. Students play the ball off the walls. All soccer rules and fouls apply to this game.

Big Base Softball

This game can be played during a softball or baseball unit. It has similar rules to Mat Ball. The only difference between this game and Mat Ball is that you play with a bat and a dodgeball. The bat that I use is called a flat bat. The kids enjoy using this bat because everyone gets a hit. I usually pitch underhand to the kids and they get three strikes or they are out. You can have as many people on the bases as you want and you have to go around the bases two times to score one run. Some other rules include: 3 or 5 outs depending on how easy the game is or 5 runs whichever comes first, if the batter hits the ceiling then he or she is automatically out, 3 foul balls and the batter is automatically out, and you can throw at the runners for an out, but if they catch it they are autmatically safe. Have fun playing!

Mat Ball

Mat Ball is a fun game for all ages. All you need are four heavy duty bases, a dodgeball, and two teams of players, consisting of at least 10 players each. The object of the game is to round each base 2 times in order to score a run. You can have as many people on the bases as you want and you can pass up other runners. This game is similar to kickball but with a twist. I usually play 3 outs to an inning or 5 outs whichever comes first so that one team is not dominating another. Some other rules include: If the ball hits the ceiling or the lights, batter is out, you can catch the ball off the gym walls for an out, 3 fouls and the batter is out, you can throw the ball at each other for an out, but if the runner catches the ball he or she is safe. Now that you know a bit about Mat Ball, get out there and have some fun playing.