Here’s a game that the kids can play to enhance their ball skills and build hand-eye co-ordination. Oh yeah, and to have some fun!

A tennis ball is ideal for this game but anything that bounces would work. If you have younger children they may wish to use a larger ball that’s easier to catch. A clear space outside is ideal. We have provided two versions, depending on whether you have a garage or garden wall that can be used to bounce the ball against.

Kids may wish to challenge themselves by timing their effort or seeing how far through they can get without making a mistake.

How to play (wall version)

Sevensies: Bounce the ball against the wall seven times with the palm of your hand and then catch it.

Sixsies: Throw the ball against the wall, allow it to come back and bounce on the ground once, then catch it. Repeat six times.

Fivesies: Bounce the ball on the ground five times and catch it each time.

Foursies: Throw the ball against the wall.  When it comes back, divert it with the palm of your hand, and without catching it, bounce it twice on the ground, then  catch it. Repeat four times.

Threesies: Bounce the ball on the ground once then divert it with the palm of your hand against the wall and when it bounces back, catch it. Repeat three times.

Twosies: Throw the ball under one leg, bounce it against the wall and catch it before it hits the ground. Repeat two times.

Onesies: Throw the ball against the wall, then spin around quickly, and catch it without letting it hit the ground. Do this once only.

How to play (no wall version)

Sevensies: Bounce the ball on the ground seven time with the palm of your hand and then catch it.

Sixsies: Throw the ball in the air and catch it. Repeat six times.

Fivesies: Bounce the ball on the ground five times and catch it each time.

Foursies: Throw the ball up in the air, let it bounce, then catch it. Repeat four times.

Threesies: Bounce the ball on the ground once then hit it down with the palm of your hand and catch it. Repeat three times.

Twosies: Bounce the ball under one leg and catch it. Repeat two times.

Onesies: Throw the ball in the air, then spin around quickly, and catch it without letting it hit the ground. Do this once only.