Scatter Ball

Name and Purpose

• Scatter Ball is a fast-reaction throwing game that builds reflexes, decision-making, and spatial awareness.
• Players practise anticipation and teamwork as the ball changes hands quickly.

a.k.a.

• Bombardment (when played with multiple balls)

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Gym or large open outdoor area with marked boundaries

Materials

• One Gator-skin foam ball (soft is essential; no hard rubber balls)
• Cones to mark boundaries

Quick-Run Card

1. Counsellor yells “Scatter!” and throws the ball into the air.
2. Whoever grabs it has 5 steps to act.
3. Throw at a player to tag them out, or yell “Scatter!” and pass to someone by name or into the air.
4. If the target catches the ball, the thrower is out instead.
5. If the player who tagged you gets out later, you come back in.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark clear boundaries with cones before play begins
• Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
• Ensure the floor or ground is clear of obstacles
• Check for adequate lighting if playing indoors

How to Play

1. All players spread out in the play area.
2. Counsellor yells “Scatter!” and throws the foam ball into the air.
3. Whoever gets the ball may take up to 5 steps.
4. They then choose: throw at a player (below the shoulders) to tag them out, or yell “Scatter!” and either call a name to pass the ball, or throw it into the air for anyone.
5. If the target catches the thrown ball cleanly, the thrower is out instead.
6. Tagged players go to the Second Circle at the sideline. They do a quick movement challenge (5 jumping jacks, 3 passes against the wall) and then re-enter on the next “Scatter!” call.
7. If the player who tagged you gets out, you automatically come back in.
8. Round ends when counsellor calls “That’s game!” or after the set time.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Chase the ball, throw, dodge
• S (Support): Call out positions to teammates, encourage re-entering players
• Q (Quiet): Move to open space and wait for a pass; lower intensity
• O (Observer): Watch from outside the boundary; join when a “Scatter!” throw goes wide

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players with limited throwing range can stand in a designated zone closer to the centre
• Players preferring no body-contact risk can act as “callers” who yell “Scatter!” and redirect the ball by name only

Stewardship Moment

• Use a foam ball that lasts for years. Remind players to handle it carefully so it stays in good shape.
• After play, wipe down the ball and store it properly.

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves throwing a soft foam ball at people below the shoulders. For those not comfortable with being thrown at, the Scatter caller role is another option.”
• Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause briefly. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How’s everyone feeling?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Players can step to the sideline at any time. They rejoin on the next “Scatter!” call.

Risks and Mitigation

• Ball thrown at head or face: enforce below-shoulders rule clearly; one warning, then the thrower sits one turn
• Collision while chasing ball: remind players to watch where they are going; slow it down for first round
• Players excluded from re-entry: Second Circle task keeps everyone moving and re-entering regularly

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Hot Potato”: stand in a circle and pass the ball quickly on a signal
• “5 Steps”: players practice taking exactly 5 steps then stopping, so the rule is clear

Debrief Questions

• What? “What happened when you had the ball? What were your options?”
• So What? “What was the hardest decision to make quickly?”
• Now What? “When do you have to make fast decisions with limited time in real life?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect the ball and cones
• Check the play area for any forgotten items