Earth Ball Tournament

Name and Purpose

• Earth Ball Tournament uses one giant ball to bring a whole camp together for a shared movement challenge.
• Players practise teamwork, communication, and collective effort in a low-skill-barrier game.

a.k.a.

• Giant Ball Push, Earth Ball

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 20-80 players | 20-40 minutes | Large outdoor field (soccer or softball field ideal)

Materials

• 1 Earth Ball (giant inflatable ball)
• Cones for goal lines and boundary markers
• Whistle for signals
• Optional: coloured pinnies or arm bands to distinguish teams

Quick-Run Card

1. Roll the Earth Ball through camp while calling players to the field.
2. Divide into two even teams on opposite sides.
3. Place the ball at centre field.
4. On whistle, both teams push the ball toward the opposing goal line.
5. First team to reach the agreed point total wins.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark goal lines with cones at each end of the field
• Mark sidelines clearly so boundaries are obvious
• Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
• Walk the field before play: check for holes, slippery patches, or debris
• Sun position: avoid games where players run directly into glare

How to Play

1. Teams line up on their own side of centre.
2. Staff places the Earth Ball at the midline.
3. On the signal, both teams advance and work to push the ball over the opposing goal line.
4. Only pushing with hands and body is allowed. No sitting on or throwing the ball.
5. When a goal is scored, all players return to their side and the ball resets at centre.
6. First team to reach the agreed point target wins the round.
7. Celebrate each round. Offer a fresh round or a different team mix.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Push at the front of the group, fully engaged with the ball
• S (Support): Play mid-field, direct teammates, call out gaps in the line
• Q (Quiet): Play at the edges, adding gentle pressure or guarding sidelines
• O (Observer): Watch from the sideline, track score, choose when to join

Inclusion Adaptations

• Wheelchair or mobility aid users can push from behind the main group; the ball is large enough to involve everyone
• Players with upper-body sensitivities may use a gentle shoulder-lean instead of full hand push

Stewardship Moment

• Before play begins, share that the Earth Ball itself represents caring for something shared. Ask: “How does this ball work if only one person tries to move it?”
• After play: quick 60-second sweep of the field for any items brought out

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves physical pushing in a group. For those not comfortable with close contact, playing at the edges or on the sideline as a score-keeper or boundary-watcher is a great option.”
• Mid-game check: After round 1, pause and give a quick thumbs up / sideways / down check.
• Opt-out / re-entry: Raise one hand to step to the sideline at any time. Return whenever you are ready.

Risks and Mitigation

• Collisions at centre when both teams charge: use a walk-pace rule for the first round to set tone
• Players falling under the ball: remind everyone the ball should not go above chest height; no climbing
• Overheating on hot days: staff should be aware of players who need water breaks

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Hand Wave”: teams practice moving as one unit in a line, shuffling sideways on command
• “Group Push”: team members push a staff member gently and playfully to feel group coordination before the ball is introduced

Debrief Questions

• What? “What happened when your team pushed in different directions at the same time?”
• So What? “What made the difference when your team was more effective?”
• Now What? “Where else in camp life do we need everyone moving in the same direction?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Deflate or store Earth Ball safely (it is reusable season after season)
• Collect cones
• Quick field sweep for any personal items