[Sports] Recreational games using a ball [Play]
Here are a variety of ball-based recreational activities.
We’ve gathered ball games that can be enjoyed by everyone—from children to seniors!
From sports aiming for the pinnacle at the Olympics or World Cup to simple time-killers, the variety of sports and games that use a “ball” is practically limitless.
Many people love ball games regardless of age or gender!
If you’re looking for “ball-based activities everyone can play together,” be sure to use this as a reference.
You might even use these games as inspiration to invent your own original new ball sport!
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[Sports] Recreational games using a ball [Play] (61–70)
Ball-passing game
It’s a game where each team lines up in a single vertical file and transports a ball.
The person at the front holds the ball, passes it to the person behind, then moves to the back of the line, causing the whole line to advance.
The first team to reach the goal wins! Adding rules for how to pass the ball—such as passing it under the legs or over the head—makes it even more fun.
Since it’s crucial not to drop the ball, teamwork becomes very important, helping players develop cooperation and communication skills.
Mixed-age dodgeball
Let’s nurture compassion and cooperation! Here are ideas for mixed-age dodgeball.
Younger kids are often curious about and admire the games older kids play, right? This idea is perfect for situations commonly seen in after-school programs! When children of different ages play together, older kids can demonstrate leadership, and younger kids can learn the importance of helping one another.
Emphasizing teamwork, with rules and flow designed so everyone can have fun, will also help improve communication skills through the game.
By playing, children naturally develop the ability to cooperate and deepen their bonds with their peers.
Footgolf
It’s a sport that combines soccer and golf, where you kick a ball with your foot and send it into a cup on the green.
To enjoy it to the fullest you’ll need a large field like a golf course, but it’s appealing that it requires fewer pieces of equipment than golf.
Not only the power of your kick matters—techniques like aiming where to send the ball are important, too, and the strategic element of golf comes into play, so even those who aren’t confident in soccer can enjoy it on equal footing.
Because the motion of kicking the ball uses your whole body, it’s a sport that can really help build muscle.
Treasure Get Game
It’s a “Treasure Grab Game” you can play the moment you think of it.
Place treasures randomly, then draw a line a short distance away.
Indoors, you can use a towel as the line.
Each person takes one plastic shopping bag.
Crumple the bag tightly into a ball.
At the start signal, throw your ball without stepping over the line.
If the ball doesn’t land on a treasure, go pick it up and throw again.
How many treasures can you snag? Turn anything you have at home into treasures!
Super Ball scooping
You often see this as a staple at festivals and school fairs.
There are colorful super balls; some stalls let you keep as many as you scoop, while others give prizes based on how many you scoop.
The scooping tool with washi paper attached is called a “poi.” It’s a good idea to prepare thicker poi for younger children.
Although it’s called super ball scooping, adding items other than super balls—like a big toy frog—can make it even more exciting.
Someone is sure to say, “There’s no way I can scoop this!” and the place will light up for sure!
Towel ball toss
Games that use a ball and can be played while seated—and that are fun for everyone from kids to adults—can be hard to come by, but this towel-based ball toss is perfect! Pair up and sit facing each other.
Each person holds one end of a towel so it’s stretched tight.
Place a ball on the towel, loosen the tension slightly, then pull it taut again to launch the ball with momentum.
Send it to the person next to you, who catches it and passes it on to the next, and so on.
If someone drops it, start over—add rules like penalties or forfeits to make it even more fun!
Tricross
In “Tricross,” you use sticks similar to those in lacrosse.
Set up goals facing each other, and take turns throwing the ball toward the opponent’s goal—simple rules! However, you can’t stand in front of the goal and defend like a goalkeeper.
So getting the first turn might be an advantage! Prepare several goal targets in different sizes: the smaller the target, the higher the difficulty—and the higher the points.
Which target to aim for, and whether to go first or second—surprisingly, it’s a game that requires strategy!
Ping-Pong Catcher
Ping-Pong Catcher is a new-style catch game that’s taking the world by storm.
Using special rackets, you play catch with ping-pong balls.
Because the balls are small, light, and move unpredictably, catching them is quite challenging.
That’s exactly why it gets everyone excited and engaged when you play together.
You can also play solo, making it a handy way to get some daily exercise.
It might be fun to come up with your own original rules and try them out, too.
mini-golf
It’s a type of golf game that focuses exclusively on the putting part of regular golf.
Since you only use a putter and it doesn’t require complex skills, even beginners can easily enjoy the atmosphere of golf.
You can also learn golf rules and etiquette, making it an ideal game for those who are thinking about starting golf.
There are putter-golf courses all over the country, and many of them rent putters, golf balls, and golf shoes, so you can drop by empty-handed and play casually!
Paper ball throwing
Paper ball throwing has become a popular and safe recreational activity in facilities for the elderly.
Controlling and throwing an object while seated feels quite different from doing it while standing, so it’s surprisingly hard to hit your target.
That’s the beauty of it—it’s fun for everyone, from kids to adults.