Bullseye (Throwing)

children throwing

Bullseye! Go for glory as you develop throwing accuracy in this simple, minimal equipment game. Good for smaller groups or can be used as a throwing station.

bullseye throwing set up image
Set up

Create a number of circles within each other using cones or chalk on a flat surface - one small one, surrounded by a larger one, and a larger one, and so on (like an archery target). Allocate a number for each circle - for example, the smallest could be 10 points, followed by 5, 3, 2, 1, as each circle gets larger.  A suitable distance away, place a cone. This is where the children stand. Give each child a beanbag/ball. 

Note: This set up can be duplicated to suit your group size.

How to play
Step 1:
  • One at a time, children take a turn at underarm throwing their beanbag onto the playing board (the circles). 
Step 2:
  • Check where the beanbag lands, that is your score!
  • Children add up the number of points they get with each round
Step 3:
  • Continue playing until someone reaches a certain score, or for a set amount of time to see who can get the highest score!
  • Play again, mixing up teams/groups where necessary

To increase the focus on crossing the midline, include the following challenges in the game:

  • Start with the beanbag in one hand and pass it across the body before throwing
  • Aim for targets placed slightly to the left or right to encourage cross-body throws
  • Alternate throwing hands to use both sides of the body
  • Pick up the beanbag from one side of the body and throw across to the other side
  • Add a small twist of the body to face the target before releasing the throw
Variations
Make it easier
  • Make the target circles larger
  • Start the children closer to the targets
Make it harder
  • Start from further away
  • Try rolling! Use a tennis ball on a flat, smooth surface for an extra challenge
  • Encourage more proficient children to use only overarm throwing
  • Place the target slightly to the left or right to encourage cross-body throws
  • Alternate throwing hands to use both sides of the body
Activity information
Age: Foundation, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 2 +
Equipment: Cones, Beanbags, Targets, Chalk
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Overarm Throw Underarm Throw Fundamental Movement Skills Cricket Skills Tee Ball Skills Ultimate Frisbee Skills Crossing the Midline
Skill teaching

If focusing on underarm throw, before starting demonstrate and underarm throw using KIDDO's teaching cues. Let children have a number of practice throws initially.

  1. Step on the star (step with opposite foot onto star marker)
  2. Swing arm forward
  3. Throw (fire)

To increase the focus on crossing the midline, encourage children to:

  • Step forward with the opposite foot when throwing
  • Swing the arm across the body and follow through towards the target
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • To reduce the pressure of scoring points, use different indicators - such as a shape (you landed on the star ring!), or a colour (collect the rainbow!)
  • If playing with multiple set ups, group more proficient children together
  • Try a teams based game! 2 vs 2