Balloon Catapult Relay

Name and Purpose

Balloon Catapult Relay is a warm-weather (or dry-version) team game that builds coordination, core strength, and collective problem-solving.
Players practise working in sequence, staying patient, and adapting when things pop.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 15-25 minutes | Open outdoor area, gym, or large hall with flat floor

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Teams sit in straight lines, each player with feet pointing toward the person behind them.
First player places the balloon between their feet, lifts it, and tips it over their head to the next player.
Next player catches it with their feet and repeats.
If the balloon falls, it returns to the first player. If it pops, a new one is handed in.
First team to pass the balloon to the end of the line completes the round.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark each team lane with cones at the front. Teams sit in parallel lines with enough space so they are not touching the next team.
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = gather
Check the ground surface for wet patches or debris

How to Play

Teams divide into equal lines and sit down, one behind the other. Feet point toward the person behind.
On the go signal, the first player places the balloon between their feet, lifts their legs, and passes the balloon over their head to the player behind.
That player catches the balloon with their feet and repeats the motion down the line.
If the balloon touches the ground, it goes back to the first player without penalty beyond the restart.
If the balloon pops, that team gets a replacement handed in immediately. No team is eliminated for a pop.
The first team to successfully pass the balloon to the last player in their line completes the round.
Play best of 3 rounds. Between rounds, rotate the first player to the back so everyone has a turn at each position.

I-OPt Options

Start: A (Active): Join a team line as a passer
Start: S (Support): Manage the spare balloon supply and hand in replacements quickly
Start: Q (Quiet): Choose a middle position in the line (less pressure than the ends)
Start: O (Observer): Watch the first round and step into a line for round 2
Mid: A (Active): Full engagement, working to keep the balloon moving
Mid: S (Support): Spot teammates and call out “ready” before the pass
Mid: Q (Quiet): Focus on receiving carefully rather than speed
End: A (Active): Anchor position at the end of the line
End: S (Support): Help collect balloon pieces and reset for the next round
End: O (Observer): Offer a word of encouragement to other teams

Inclusion Adaptations

Seated on chairs version: players pass the balloon using hands-free scooping motions while seated on chairs instead of the ground
Sponge ball alternative: replace water balloons with sponge balls for players who find the wet or pop sensation difficult

Stewardship Moment

Collect every piece of balloon from the ground. Balloon pieces can be harmful to wildlife.
Ask: “What else could we pass down the line that we could use again and again?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game means lying back and using your feet to pass a water balloon. For those who would like to stay dry or prefer a different position, the support and spotter roles are available from the start.”
Mid-game check: After round 1, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step out by moving to the side. Rejoin by sliding into any spot in the line before the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Backward fall from leg-lift motion: remind players to keep their core engaged and move slowly. Staff demonstrate before play.
Balloon pops in face: balloons should be partially filled only (not fully taut). Staff check fill level before distribution.
Frustration from restarts: frame restarts as part of the game. “Every restart is a practice run.”

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Feet Hello”: players sit in a circle and wave to the person across from them using just their feet
“Balloon Hold”: each player holds a balloon between their knees and walks a short distance, getting comfortable with balloon handling

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when the balloon fell? How did your team respond?”
So What? “What made it easier to pass the balloon as the round went on?”
Now What? “Where else do you rely on a whole chain of people to get something from one end to the other?”

Cleanup and Reset