Bat Keepy-Ups
Improve bat hand-eye coordination in a challenging game of keepy-ups! Best for older, more proficient children.
Each child gets a bat/racquet, and a tennis ball. For example, you can use a tennis racquet, cricket ball, or a badminton racquet depending on skill level and/or sporting focus. Children spread out in the designated playing space that is flat and free of obstructions. Ensure children have adequate space between each other in order to prevent collisions.
To play with younger/less proficient children, use a balloon and a light striking implement (a fairy wand, a pool noodle).
Step 1:
- When the children are spread out in the space, they begin tapping their ball up and down their bat for as long as they can
Step 2:
- If the ball is dropped, start again and see how many keepy-ups you can get in a row!
Step 3:
- After a few minutes, ask the children;
- How many keepy-ups did you get?
- How high can you hit the ball while still catching it on your bat?
- Can you walk around and keep it up?
- Which bat is easiest to keep the ball up?
- Swap bats/racquets if you like, and continue playing
- To play with younger/less proficient children, use a balloon and a light striking implement (a fairy wand, a pool noodle)
- Use a tennis racquet
- Use a balloon instead of a tennis ball
- Let the ball bounce between hits
- Use a cricket bat
- Try partnered keepy-ups - standing nearby, a child must hit the ball in the air slightly towards a partner, who returns the hit, and continue!
Ensure children understand that if they get too close to another child they must stop hitting the ball. Encourage striking skill development by using the following teaching cues;
- Hands together
- Eyes on the ball
- Have a range of bats/racquets available
- Reduce competition by encouraging children to beat their own personal best
