Body Part Ball Pass

Name and Purpose

• Body Part Ball Pass is a playful circle game that teaches body parts through movement and music.
• Players build large and small motor skills, vocabulary, and social connection in a low-pressure format that works for mixed-ability groups.

a.k.a.

• Body Ball, Part Pass

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 5-12 | 6-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Open indoor or outdoor space; seated or standing circle works equally well

Materials

• 1-3 soft foam or rubber balls (size appropriate for the age group)
• Music player and upbeat playlist (optional)
• Body part picture cards (optional, for early-language or non-verbal players)
• Chalk or cones to mark the circle boundary if outdoors

Quick-Run Card

1. Players sit or stand in a circle with enough space between them to pass a ball.
2. Leader calls out a body part (e.g., “elbows!”) and demonstrates the pass.
3. Players pass the ball around the circle using only that body part.
4. After one full loop, the leader calls a new body part.
5. In larger groups, add a second ball going the opposite direction.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark the circle edge with chalk or cones so everyone knows their spot
• Signal: clap twice = everyone pauses and looks at the leader for the next body part
• Check the surface for anything a ball could roll into or off
• If playing outdoors in sun, orient the circle so no one faces directly into the light

How to Play

1. Everyone sits or stands in a circle, arms-length apart.
2. Leader introduces the game: “We are going to pass this ball using different body parts. I will call out the part, and we will all try it together.”
3. Leader calls a body part and shows what it looks like to use it.
4. Players pass the ball around the circle using only that part.
5. After one full loop (or about 30 seconds), the leader calls a new part.
6. For groups of 15 or more, add a second ball going the other direction.
7. Optional music round: music plays while the ball passes; when the music stops, whoever holds the ball names a new body part for the next round.
8. No elimination. If a player drops the ball, they pick it up and keep passing.

I-OPt Options

• Start:
  • A (Active): Stand in the circle and pass with full range of motion
  • S (Support): Hold a picture card showing the body part so others can see it
  • Q (Quiet): Sit and pass with smaller, careful movements
  • O (Observer): Watch one round, then step in when ready
• Mid:
  • A (Active): Try calling out the body part with the leader
  • S (Support): Help a younger or newer player find the right body part
  • Q (Quiet): Pass gently; focus on accuracy over speed
  • O (Observer): Count how many different body parts have been used; share at the end
• Late:
  • A (Active): Try a silly or creative body part (forehead, shoulder blade)
  • S (Support): Cheer when the ball makes a full loop without dropping
  • Q (Quiet): Use two hands for stability on any part
  • O (Observer): Suggest a body part for the leader to call
• End:
  • A (Active): Lead a final loop using your favourite body part
  • S (Support): Help collect balls and materials
  • Q (Quiet): Give a thumbs up for each body part you remember
  • O (Observer): Name one body part the group used that surprised you

Inclusion Adaptations

• Seated play: the full game works from a chair or wheelchair; adjust the circle size so the ball travels comfortably
• Picture cards: hold up a card showing the body part alongside the verbal call; helps players who are learning the language or learning to read
• Larger balls: use a beach ball or large foam ball for players with fine motor differences or vision differences
• Bilateral pass option: players who cannot use one side of the body may use two hands or any available limb; frame this as another valid way to play

Stewardship Moment

• Foam balls last for years with simple care; wipe them down and store them dry after play
• Prompt: “These balls go with us to every camp game this week. How do we make sure they stay in good shape?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “We are going to pass a ball using different body parts. You get to choose how you move your body. If a part does not work for you today, point to a card or use any part that does work.”
• For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
• Mid-game check: after 3-4 rounds, pause. “Quick check: thumbs up, sideways, or down. Are we having fun? Any part too tricky?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: step back from the circle at any time; rejoin by stepping back in between rounds

Risks and Mitigation

• Ball rolls out of bounds and players chase it: remind players the ball stays in the circle; if it rolls out, the nearest player retrieves it calmly
• Competitive tone creeps in around speed: remind the group that the goal is learning the body part, not passing fastest
• Player feels singled out for dropping the ball: normalise drops from the start: “Drops happen. Pick it up and keep going.”

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Simon Says” with 3-4 body parts to preview vocabulary before the game starts
• “Shake it Out”: everyone shakes each body part the leader names before the ball is introduced

Debrief Questions

• What? “Which body part was the trickiest to use for passing?”
• So What? “What did you have to think about to control the ball with a new part of your body?”
• Now What? “What body parts do you use without thinking during your normal day at camp?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect all balls; wipe down with a damp cloth if used outdoors
• Store picture cards flat in their envelope
• Return cones or chalk markers