Bolf

Name and Purpose

Bolf combines the patience of golf with the fun of tossing different balls into a bucket.
Players practise aim, persistence, and cheering for teammates across multiple rounds.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players (4-15 per team) | 15-25 minutes | Gymnasium or flat outdoor area with a clear 5-metre lane per team

Materials

1 large bucket or garbage bin per team
Per team: 2 ping-pong balls, 1 tennis ball, 1 volleyball, 1 basketball, 1 football (foam version recommended), 1 soccer ball
Cones to mark the toss line (15 feet/approx. 4.5 metres from the bucket)
Optional: score sheet and marker

Quick-Run Card

Set teams up at their toss line, 15 feet from the bucket.
First player tosses one ball type. Successful toss: ball goes in the bucket and is set aside.
Unsuccessful toss: ball is handed to the next player to try the same type.
Each player attempts one toss, then goes to the back of the line.
First team to sink one of each ball type wins.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark the toss line clearly with cones or tape. Players must toss from behind the line.
Signal: 1 whistle = start; 2 whistles = pause for announcements; 3 whistles = end of game.
Space teams far enough apart that balls from one team cannot interfere with another.
Gather any rolling balls promptly to avoid tripping hazards between teams.

How to Play

Divide players into equal teams (4-15 per team). Place each team behind their toss line.
Lay out each team’s balls in any order at the toss line.
First player picks one ball type and tosses it toward the bucket.
If successful, that ball type is placed aside and is not used again this round.
If unsuccessful, the same ball type is handed to the next player in line for their turn.
Players go to the back of the line after each toss.
First team to successfully sink one of each ball type wins the round.
Run a second round with teams at a different distance for a new challenge.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Toss balls and compete in the relay.
S (Support): Cheer, track which ball types have been sunk, and organise the queue.
Q (Quiet): Participate with lower-speed ball types (ping-pong, tennis) and skip higher-effort ones.
O (Observer): Watch and keep the official score; join for the next round.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players with limited throwing range can move the toss line closer for their turn without penalty.
Seated tossing is equally valid. Adjust toss line distance to match.

Stewardship Moment

All equipment is reusable. Collect all balls and store in a bag after play.
Reflection: “How did you keep track of what had been done and what was left to do?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “Each player will take one toss per turn. For those not comfortable with overhead throwing, underarm toss is fine for any ball type.”
Mid-game check: After the first full rotation, check in with the group on pace and difficulty.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can skip a turn and cheer from the side. Re-join at any point in the queue.

Risks and Mitigation

Balls rolling into other teams’ lanes: collect rolling balls promptly; remind players to stay in their lane.
Basketball or volleyball tossed too hard toward the bucket: model a smooth, controlled toss; foam balls recommended for indoor play.
Players rushing the toss line: remind the group that only one player tosses at a time.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Ball Type Intro”: each player picks up one ball from the set and tosses it gently to a partner to get a feel for its weight.
“One Toss Practice”: each player gets one practice toss into the bucket before the game starts.

Debrief Questions

What? “Which ball was hardest to sink? Why?”
So What? “How did it feel to keep trying a ball type that your team was struggling with?”
Now What? “What does persistence look like when something is genuinely hard?”

Cleanup and Reset