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.
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Arrange the ball-carrying relay! A roundup of surprising and fun ideas (11–20)
Rag-Wiping Ball Carry Relay
Turn floor-wiping into a game! Here’s a fun idea: make a ball-carrying relay using the floor-wiping style.
Set up a course with cones, and carry a ball while “wiping” your way around.
The first to complete two laps wins.
It works as an individual race, but team relays—like groups of three with the number of balls matching the team size—are also recommended.
It helps build lower-body strength and fosters teamwork.
Adults can enjoy it too, so try adapting it as an event for your sports day.
Aim for the goal while moving multiple balls!
Move multiple balls to reach the goal! Here’s a variation of a ball-carry relay that’s perfect for building endurance.
Split into teams, and one by one, transfer all the balls into the arranged hoops.
You can adjust the number and layout of the hoops to match your team size, and try different goal positions and shapes for extra fun.
It’s also great for boosting team spirit.
Give it a try and creatively incorporate it into your sports day events!
Ball passing relay
A ball-passing relay that adults and children can enjoy together.
Once everyone lines up in a single file, pass the ball from the person in front to the person behind.
You can send the ball through your legs or pass it over your head to the next person—both are fine! If the ball reaches the last person and you still haven’t reached the goal, the person who just passed the ball should move to the back of the line and repeat the same actions.
If you’re playing in a schoolyard or gym, it’s a good idea to set a distance, such as from one end of the space to the other.
This game is great for sports days and athletic festivals, so feel free to use it as a reference.
UFO
“UFO” is a unique event featuring a rule where participants carry a large balance ball on their backs without letting it fall.
Several people form a circle, press their backs together to support the ball, and move forward while calling out to each other—looking just like a UFO floating in the air! It’s perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, requiring teamwork and a good sense of balance.
Communicating as they move boosts class or team unity significantly.
Even those who aren’t confident in sports can shine, and everyone is likely to feel a great sense of accomplishment when it’s over.
1v1 ball carrying
Enjoyable even 1-on-1! Let us introduce an adapted ball-carrying game called “Flag Football.” In this sport, you carry the ball into the opponent’s territory.
The defense stops the advancing offense by pulling the flag attached to the ball carrier or by driving them out of bounds.
A standard game lasts about 20 minutes, but it’s also a good idea to adjust the duration based on the number of players.
The rules are simple, so everyone from kids to adults can enjoy it.
Try adapting it as an event for your sports day, too!
Carry the ball on a cone
For a cute-feeling event, we recommend a relay where participants carry a ball on a cone.
In this activity, you place a ball on an ice-cream cone made by attaching construction paper to newspaper and carry it.
If you decorate the ball with construction paper or similar materials, it will look even more like ice cream.
The adorable appearance is sure to liven things up.
First, try finding a ball that’s a good size.
If it’s a vinyl ball, you can decorate it simply by applying thin paper.
Arrange the Ball-Carrying Relay! A One-Stop Showcase of Surprising & Fun Ideas (21–30)
Back-carry ball relay
The back-to-back ball relay is a race where you carry a ball in an unusual way.
Two people pair up, stand back to back, and transport a ball held between their backs.
Since there are hardly any sports or events where you carry a ball on your back, it offers a unique experience.
The partners’ height difference and the size of the ball are important factors, so adjust them to make carrying easier.
It’s also important to decide who will lead when moving forward.
Be sure to discuss and plan before you start.