Let's get active and try Double Whammy!
This throwing activity is suitable for children in Early learning and childcare (ELC) or Primary 1 (Early level Curriculum for Excellence).
Watch this
Learn how to take part in the Double Whammy activity with help from primary school teacher, Danny Denholm, and wheelchair athlete, Gemma Lumsdaine.
DANNY Hi, I'm Danny and welcome to Let's Do This, where we will be getting active together.
This activity is called the Double Whammy.
This is an excellent game which will develop your coordination and fluency and communication skills.
You will need a partner, one ball or one balloon.
I've got wheelchair athlete Gemma here to help me show you how to do it.
Step one.
Sit facing your partner about two big steps apart, holding a ball.
Step two.
On the count of three, the player with the ball will roll or rainbow throw the ball towards the other partner.
Step three.
As soon as each person has caught the ball do it again.
Let's do this.
NARRATOR Too tough
DANNY Finding this too tricky?
That's OK.
Make the distance between you and your partner longer giving you more time to catch.
GEMMA You could even change the balls to balloons giving you more time to react.
NARRATOR Go up a notch?
DANNY To help develop your skills, reduce the distance between you and your partner, giving you less time to react.
Or you could use a smaller ball.
GEMMA Facing your partner, bring in other methods such as bouncing, different types of throws or adding a clap in before you catch the ball.
NARRATOR Gemma’s challenge
GEMMA Okay, something I want you to try for me.
Continuously roll and catch for a set time of your choosing.
So, for example, give yourself 30 seconds and count how many you get.
Record your scores on a whiteboard or pen and paper.
What will your best score be?
NARRATOR Final thoughts
DANNY Come on, give this a go.
With practice and repetition, you will improve.
Can you think of any activities where you might put these rolling or throwing skills to good use?
NARRATOR Let’s do this
What we will learn:
This activity can help young children develop their aim and accuracy skills.
It is also a great activity to help children with rhythm and timing in sport and physical activity.
What you need:
| Equipment | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| A ball | Balled-up socks or a balloon |
| Optional: Another ball | Optional: More balled-up socks or a balloon |
Try it yourself
Follow these step-by-step instructions and give it a go!
Image caption, Face your partner
Start the game by facing your partner holding a ball.
1 of 4
Playing on your own
If you want to practise this on your own, sit facing a wall and use a ball that will bounce back to you.
Make it easier or harder
We are all unique and have different strengths and skills. Some of us may find some skills easier than others but we can all develop and improve.
You can adapt Double Whammy to make it easier or harder. The most important things are giving it a go and having fun!
Make it easier
Try these tips to make the activity a bit easier.
- Make the distance between you and your partner longer. This gives you more time to catch the ball.
- Change the ball to a balloon to give you more time to react.
Make it harder
Try these tips to make this activity more challenging.
- Decrease the distance between you and your partner.
- Use a smaller ball.
- Facing your partner, bring in other methods such as bouncing the ball instead of rolling or throwing it.
- Clap before catching the ball.
Gemma's challenge
- Continuously throw/roll and catch for a set time. For example, time yourselves for 30 seconds or 1 minute.
- Count how many throws/rolls and catches you manage in the set time.
- Record your score then try to beat it next time!
More games to play
Tiny Happy People: Ball games. activity
Ball games help us learn to share, play together and be inclusive.
Tiny Happy People: Throwing game. activity
This throwing game is a great way to boost your child's concentration and focus skills.
More on Physical activity
Find out more by working through a topic
- count11 of 19
- count12 of 19
- count13 of 19
- count14 of 19
