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What is Air Pong?
If you have access to chalk and a balloon, you can play Air Pong. It's one of the first games I teach my students (as part of my hand striking/Four Square unit) because it's something they can do at home. It's also a perfect small-sided game for warm up choices. I also started using it at my summer camp as a free choice.
I designed the game to teach air-striking skills while minimizing arguments. I make sure to print off the rules and post them next to the activity to settle any disputes. You can get a printable version in the Striking Activity Pack below.
Air Pong Rules
You score when the balloon lands in the opponent's square or if the opponent hits the balloon out of bounds.
Serves must be from behind the back line and you're allowed three hits every time the balloon is on your side.
Minor Rules
- Non-hits (holds) give opponent the point
- Server is allowed 1 FAULT (2 faults gives opponent the point)
- Whoever won the last point SERVES
- Any SPIKE has to be from inside your square
A Couple Notes
- It's important to have at least a foot or two between squares so spikes become more difficult to execute, creating a more fair game.
- Whenever there is a line, they play to 2 points and the winner stays to face the next opponent.
Variations
- Play it with paddles
- CHICKEN PONG! No hands, only head and feet (included in the Striking Activity Pack)
- Change the size of squares
- Use a more inflated or less inflated balloon
- For next-level players, use an Olly Ball (paid link) or a beach ball (and consider eliminating spikes)
- Put a rope between the two sides (a couple feet off the ground) and they have to make it over the "net"
- Add two more squares and play with 4 square rotations
Recommended Reading
The Ultimate Sub Plan - A fool-proof plan for emergency subs
The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Four Square - Air Pong and other mini-games unite to teach Four Square
Ultimate Kickball - Kickball minus all the problems of Kickball
Defend Your Pin - A favorite, super versatile game