I’m sure many of you have heard about or even played striker ball with your classes. My students enjoy playing paddle striker ball with a couple of modifications.

How we play STRIKER BALL and PADDLE STRIKER BALL

Setup:

For 20 students, I set up two neighboring octagons with cones. I also set up a single cone between both games for students who are waiting to enter one of the octagons, much like 4-square. I place each paddle handle first inside of each cone, including the four cones for the students waiting for their turn.

• Send eight players to each octagon.
• Each player is responsible for guarding a side of the octagon, much like a goalie in soccer.
• Extra players go to the four cones to wait for an opportunity to enter the game.

Now that the setup is complete, allow me to explain the game.

We have 40 students in a PE class for our 3rd-5th Grade students. With 40 students, I set up three games, each with eleven cones. Therefore, 33 players are starting the game, eleven per game. Seven students are waiting in line. The line moves very quickly. With 33 students playing at a time, students use their open hand instead of a paddle to strike the ball.

The object of the game:

The game’s object is to strike a gator ball through another player’s goal. At the same time, players are trying to block any ball shot at their goal.

• Players must kneel or sit between their goals. This prevents them from entering the center of the octagon. All shots must be taken from between the cones (each goal) from the sitting/kneeling position.
• When a goal is scored against a player, that player exits the game and goes to the back of the line of players waiting to enter the game. The first player in that line takes the place of the player who just exited.
• The player who just entered the game always takes the first shot. We refer to this as the serve.

Round 2:

• Instead of sitting/kneeling, I allow players to stand. Before the round, we discuss why standing might be easier or more difficult than sitting.
• After a few minutes of round two, you may notice some players elect to sit back down. I allow this to happen since it’s part of their strategy.

Scoring a goal:

• A goal can not be scored in either of the goals to the immediate left or right of the shooter. We call this neighboring.
• Height limit – all goals must be below the height of the cone. Any shot that goes above the cones is NOT a goal.

Players waiting in line:

• Players standing in line may enter either game.
• The first player in line takes the place of the next player who is out in either game. I like this because it naturally mixes up the groups.

Striker ball and paddle striker ball are fast-paced, action-packed games. My students love both!

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