This is another fantastic and exciting activity to play with elementary aged kids! It focuses on fine motor skills, coordination, and communication. The object of the game is to try and kick the ball over any teams’ goal except your own goal. Students on the goal line are trying to keep the ball from going across the goal line by using their feet only and in the “crab” position. The ball used is a special type of ball people may call a cage or kin ball.
An illustration showing an appropriate size of a cage ball in relation to the size of the children.
Students are placed into 4 teams. Each team sits on their goal line to form a square. Each student is given a number and when a number is called the student with that number walks like a crab to the center of the square and kicks the ball with the bottom of their foot. (Make sure that you kick the ball and not someone.) A cue to inform students is to be careful not to step on other peoples hands/wrists.
Children demonstration the crab walking position
In this game you do not want to score any points. The team with the least amount is the winner. Shoes are asked to be taken off to reduce possible injury. This depends on preference of the instructor. The students whose number was called may move anywhere within the square.
Important points to remember:
1. Cannot use hands on ball – feet only. (If hands are used on the goal line a point is awarded to that team.)
2. Protect your goal line to keep ball from crossing.
3. Crab position at all times.
4. Stay back even with the goal line unless your number is called.
Points are scored:
1. If the ball crosses the goal line.
2. Touches ball with hands while protecting goal line.
3. If a team does not stay back at their goal line.
4. Playing around, not paying attention, rolling or spinning on floor.
This game can easily be modified to 2 teams, age group, positioning of students, and etc. Here's a video of a Crab Ball game version with 2 teams in a Secondary grade level.
Important points to remember:
1. Cannot use hands on ball – feet only. (If hands are used on the goal line a point is awarded to that team.)
2. Protect your goal line to keep ball from crossing.
3. Crab position at all times.
4. Stay back even with the goal line unless your number is called.
Points are scored:
1. If the ball crosses the goal line.
2. Touches ball with hands while protecting goal line.
3. If a team does not stay back at their goal line.
4. Playing around, not paying attention, rolling or spinning on floor.
This game can easily be modified to 2 teams, age group, positioning of students, and etc. Here's a video of a Crab Ball game version with 2 teams in a Secondary grade level.
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