Diminishing Target

A progressive activity focusing on accuracy with throwing, Diminishing Target involves targets of various sizes. Start big, and work your way down to the trickiest, smallest one of them all! Play this game in a safe space inside with a pair of balled up socks.

Set up

Set up stations, each with a different size target. Set up the throwing section at each station, with a flat marker on the ground and one tennis ball per child. Position this ~5-10 meters away from each target. Ideas of targets include;

  • A large pillow (easiest)
  • A cricket wicket
  • A large teddy
  • A drawing on a piece of paper
  • A small teddy (hardest)
How to play
Step 1:
  • Children stand at the first (largest) station, and attempt to hit the target with their ball. Continue at this station until they hit the target
Step 2:
  • If they succeed, they move on to the next target, a slightly smaller one
Step 3:
  • Continue through the stations until the final and smallest target has been hit!
Variations
Make it easier
  • Start with a large target, and decrease the size slowly
  • Underarm throw, or roll the ball
  • Use a larger object to throw, like a soft teddy
Make it harder
  • Start with a smaller target - it will only get trickier from there!
  • Each distance to a new target is further away than the last
  • Try your non-dominant hand!
Activity information
Age: Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Participants: 1 +
Equipment: Targets, Tennis balls, Socks (optional)
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Skill teaching

For overarm throwing, remind children of the teaching cues;

  1. Ready: Stand like a surfer (side-on)
  2. Aim: Make a muscle man (throwing arm bent up above shoulder), point non-throwing arm at target
  3. Fire: Step on the star (step with opposite foot onto star marker) and throw
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • Let children build their own targets!
  • Each time you miss the target, you can take one step closer on your next attempt
  • Use chalk or pictures stuck to a wall