Arrange the ball-carrying relay! A roundup of surprising and fun ideas
The “ball-carrying relay” is a popular activity at all kinds of events, such as sports days, mixers, and fun parties.
The basic way to play is simple: everyone takes turns carrying the ball without dropping it, and the team that reaches the goal first wins!
With its simple rules, it’s a game that both kids and adults can enjoy, and it’s easy to customize.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of ways to tweak the ball-carrying relay.
We’ve also included fun ideas that combine it with other games, so if you’re looking for events participants haven’t experienced before, be sure to check them out.
Remix the Ball-Relay Race! A One-Stop Showcase of Surprising & Fun Ideas (1–10)
Ball-carrying relay with defense
Here’s an idea for a sports day activity: “Line Ball Carry with Defense.” The rules are very simple.
It’s a relay-style game where the team works together to carry a ball to the goal.
The basic rule is to transport the ball without dropping it and score by getting it into the goal while avoiding the opposing team’s defense.
More important than winning or losing is spending a fun time together.
It’s perfect for sports day because it encourages teamwork and communication.
Join forces with everyone and make wonderful memories!
Ball Scissor Relay
It’s a relay game where you hold a ball between your feet.
As long as you have enough space to move around, you can play it indoors, so the weather doesn’t matter.
If you make the relay course not just a straight line but add curves, turn-backs, or a loop, it will raise the difficulty and make it even more exciting.
Ball Carrying UNO
Here’s an idea for adapting the well-known board game UNO into a ball-carrying relay.
Form teams in circles, with each person holding a ball.
Choose someone to give commands, and everyone passes or moves the balls according to the commands—like “skip” or “one bounce.” The rules are simple, but you can make it more exciting by increasing the speed of the commands and enjoying the sense of achievement as a team.
For team competitions, you can create original rules, such as declaring the team that doesn’t drop the ball until the end the winner, to make it even more fun.
It’s also a great recommendation for sports day events.
Balloon carrying race
How about a balloon-carrying race where the way the balloon floats and flutters in the air is part of the fun? All you need are a newspaper and a balloon.
Pair up in teams of two and each person holds one end of the newspaper—imagine the two of you spreading it out together.
Then place the balloon in the center of the newspaper and run while carrying it.
It looks simple at first, but the momentum from running makes the balloon take off, so it’s trickier than it seems.
Figuring out strategies—like carrying it very gently or tilting the newspaper to shield it from the wind—is part of what makes it so enjoyable.
Spoon-and-ball carrying relay
The concentration needed to keep the ball from falling off the spoon is so much fun! Here’s an idea for a “spoon-and-ball relay.” You can enjoy this indoors.
Place a ball on a spoon, go around a cone, and pass it to the next person.
It’s a great way to build concentration while having fun, so it’s also recommended as a sports day event.
Both kids and adults can enjoy it, so why not adapt it as a parent–child activity? You can also switch the ball for different items to make it even more fun.
Be sure to include it in your sports day program!
Ball-carrying balance relay
Perfect for building balance skills too! Here’s an idea for a “Ball-Carrying Balance Relay.” You can enjoy this indoors.
Place a ball on each end of a long board and carry it to the goal while clearing obstacles.
It’s fun and helps develop hand-eye coordination, so it’s also great as a sports day event.
Both kids and adults can enjoy it, so why not adapt it as a parent-child activity? Since it encourages teamwork and communication while following the rules, be sure to include it in your sports day!
Ball Retrieval Relay
A recommended variation of the ball-carry relay is the Ball Collection Relay! In this game, you form teams and race to gather balls as quickly as possible.
Stand at the starting line and take off when the signal is given.
Each team member runs out one at a time to grab a ball, comes back, and hands the baton to the next person.
The more balls there are, the more fun it gets.
You can help each other, chat while you run, and feel your team’s unity.
Laugh, cheer each other on, and make it a memorable event!