Five Box Bounce

Name and Purpose

Five Box Bounce is a two-player targeting challenge that builds throwing precision, patience, and spatial awareness.
Simple to set up and easy to play in pairs or small groups; great as a quiet-activity option at camp.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 10-16 | 2-4 players per set (rotate in pairs) | 10-20 minutes | Hard flat surface (paved court, driveway, footpath) approximately 6m long

Materials

5 cardboard boxes or plastic storage containers, similar size, arranged in a row
1 tennis ball or rubber bouncing ball
Chalk or tape to mark box positions (optional)
Flat, hard surface with good traction

Quick-Run Card

Line up 5 boxes in a row on a flat surface. Players stand at each end.
Player A throws so the ball bounces once in box 1 (closest to Player B).
If Player B does not catch it on the fly, Player A earns a turn at box 2 next round.
Keep advancing through boxes until Player A completes box 5.
Then reverse: box 4, 3, 2, 1. First to complete the full sequence wins.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Two players stand at opposite ends of the 5-box row.
Player A aims to throw the ball so it bounces exactly once inside box 1 (nearest Player B). The ball must bounce inside the box before Player B can catch it.
If Player B catches it on the fly before it bounces, or Player A misses the box, it becomes Player B’s turn to throw.
If the throw is successful (ball bounces inside the box and Player B does not catch it cleanly), Player A earns a point and aims for box 2 on their next turn.
Each successful turn advances Player A one box further, requiring additional bounces in preceding boxes as they progress.
Once Player A completes box 5, they reverse back through boxes 4, 3, 2, 1.
First player to complete the full sequence and return to box 1 wins the round.
With 3-4 players: rotate the waiting player in after each point is scored or each failed turn.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Compete as a throwing or catching player, tracking your own score
S (Support): Help retrieve balls that go wide; count bounces; keep score for the pair
Q (Quiet): Play at a relaxed pace with a partner, prioritising accuracy over speed
O (Observer): Watch the game, learn the sequence, step in when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Shorten the box row to 3 boxes for younger players or those finding the full sequence too complex
Use a larger rubber ball for players who find a tennis ball harder to handle

Stewardship Moment

Use reusable containers rather than single-use boxes where possible; store them flat after play
Keep the play area tidy: return all equipment to storage after each session

Consent

Pre-brief: “This is a two-player bounce challenge. You can play, score, or help retrieve and count. All roles are good ones.”
For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
Mid-game check: After the first exchange, check in with players on pace and difficulty.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can swap to observer or scorekeeper at any time. Rejoin as a player when ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Ball bouncing unpredictably on uneven surfaces: check the surface before play; mark boxes clearly
Competitive tension in pairs: remind players the challenge is the sequence, not beating each other
Boxes sliding or collapsing: use heavier containers or weight them slightly; tape box positions if needed

Warm-Up Suggestions

Bounce and Catch: players simply bounce the ball to each other for 60 seconds to gauge the surface and get a feel for the ball
Target Bounce: mark a small chalk circle and take turns bouncing the ball into it from 2m away

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the trickiest box to hit? What did you figure out?”
So What? “How did you adjust your throw when something wasn’t working?”
Now What? “What is a skill in your life where you improve by making small adjustments and trying again?”

Cleanup and Reset