Stoop Bounce

Name and Purpose

Stoop Bounce is a classic neighbourhood throwing and catching game that shines in small groups.
Players build throwing accuracy, hand-eye coordination, and patience while enjoying a relaxed, self-paced challenge.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 2-6 players | 15-30 minutes | Outdoor stairs or a low step (stoop) with a flat catching area in front

Materials

One rubber bouncy ball (medium size; similar to a pinky ball or playground ball)
Optional: chalk to mark a throwing line 10-15 feet from the stoop
Clear flat surface in front of the stoop for catching (concrete or pavement)

Quick-Run Card

Mark a throwing line about 10-15 feet from the stoop with chalk or a cone.
Players take turns stepping up to the line and throwing at the stoop.
Score: one bounce catch = 5 points; fly catch = 10 points; pointer = 100 points.
Miss the catch and the turn passes to the next player.
First player to reach the agreed score wins the round.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Players agree on a target score before starting (suggested: 100 or 200 points for a medium-length round).
Players take turns at the throwing line. Each player throws the ball at the front edge of the stoop.
Scoring: catch the ball after one bounce = 5 points; catch it on the fly (before it bounces) = 10 points; “pointer” (ball hits the very edge/point of the step and bounces back sharply) caught on the fly = 100 points.
If the player misses the catch, their turn ends and the next player throws.
Players keep a running total of their own points and call them out after each turn.
The first player to reach the target score wins the round.
Optional cooperative version: players pool their points and try to reach a group target together.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Take turns throwing and catching at the throwing line
S (Support): Track scores for all players and call them out after each turn
Q (Quiet): Practise throws from a shorter distance and join the scoring rounds when ready
O (Observer): Watch a round to learn the scoring before taking a turn

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who want a lower-pressure round can use a closer throwing line or a larger, softer ball
A cooperative group-total version removes individual score pressure entirely

Stewardship Moment

After play, chalk marks can be rinsed off with water. The ball goes back in the kit.
Reflection: “What made the stoop the key part of this game? How does the environment shape how we play?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game, players take turns throwing at the stoop and catching. For those who prefer not to throw or catch, keeping score or cheering are great ways to take part.”
Mid-game check: After the first full round, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. Want to keep going or change the target score?”
Opt-out / re-entry: Any player can skip a turn and pass. Rejoin at any time.

Risks and Mitigation

Ball bouncing unpredictably toward bystanders: keep a clear zone behind the catcher; no one stands in the bounce-back path
Loose concrete or sharp edges on the stoop: staff check and clear before play
Discouragement from missing catches: remind players that pointers are rare and unpredictable for everyone; celebrate any catch

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Wall Toss”: players throw the ball against a flat wall and catch the return for 1 minute to calibrate their throwing distance
“Bounce Count”: in pairs, toss the ball back and forth with one bounce between and count how many exchanges in a row you can manage

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the trickiest throw to get right?”
So What? “How did you adjust your technique after a miss?”
Now What? “When do you use trial and error to get better at something in your daily life?”

Cleanup and Reset