Beach Ball Baseball

[30 Minutes]

You and your child can swing the bat for a sure hit every time. Now, getting the player out is a little bit harder and involves more running – but that’s part of the fitness plan. Get those bodies moving!

You'll need:

• whiffle ball bat (baseball bat is fine – but may be too heavy for younger children) • beach ball (10-12 inches in diameter) • base markers (can be rocks, colorful scraps of material, or scraps of wood)

What to do:

1. With your child, gather everything you'll need.
2. Explain to your child that you will be playing a very friendly form of baseball in which you try to hit a beach ball instead of a whiffle ball or baseball. Also explain that you will run bases like in baseball and that you will try to get the batter out by throwing the beach ball at the batter or tagging him with the ball.

How to play:

1. Construct your own baseball diamond by setting your home plate first. Then let your child run with the first base marker 6-10 yards or what your child feels is appropriate. Invite him to place the base.
2. Using the same method, set second and third bases, ask your child to try to keep the distances between bases equal.
3. Challenge your child to run the bases to see how the distance feels. Make adjustments as needed.
4. Next, let your child choose who will be the pitcher and who will be the batter up.
5. Do a few practice underhand pitches to the batter to determine where the pitcher should stand. Do this with each pitcher.
6. When you are ready – start the game!
7. As in baseball – there are outs and strikes. One player will be trying to get the other player out by either tagging with the beach ball or throwing it at the player.
8. Laugh together as you play.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Why do you think it’s easier to hit the beach ball than a baseball?
• Was it hard to run with such a big ball? Why?
• Was it easy to throw? When you threw the ball, did it go where you wanted it to go? Why?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity provides experiences for developing running and throwing skills.