This is a companion post to Physical Education at Home. Check it out for more great Active Home resources.
SLAPS! is perfect for younger players. When they get really good at SLAPS!, it's time to graduate up to Gaga Ball, which is as simple as adding just a couple rules.
SLAPS! is great for groups but you can also play it by yourself.
What is SLAPS?
SLAPS! is a great game that you can play just about anywhere.
Like Gaga Ball, you slap the ball toward others' legs. You're only out if you get hit in the legs or pick up a ball - because you can't slap it if you're picking it up.
I don't use the word Out with kids younger than third grade, instead I'll say "You're TOAST!" The kids think it's hilarious and doesn't come with the negative feelings associated with being out. When you're TOAST, you just run to the TOASTER.
The Toaster could be a variety of things:
- Run to a place, like the couch (or your actual toaster)
- Move away from the playing area and do a challenge (5 burpees, 10 jumping jacks, etc)
- Freeze body and complete a task (recite the ABCs, count to 20 by 2s, sing a short song)
If players start getting bored, they can start adding rules to turn the game into Gaga Ball.
Pro Tip:
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If you're playing inside, the ball should stay on the ground so most balls are acceptable. But if you're concerned about destroying your house, check out the Olly Ball (paid link). Imagine a round mylar balloon, packaged inside a soft, paper-like shell (that you can color yourself!). I have several in my house . They don't break anything and my one year old doesn't even mind getting hit by it.
Play SLAPS! by Yourself
Take a ball to a corner in your house and hit it off the wall, trying to hit both walls before you hit it again. See how many hits you can do before you hit yourself in the legs or miss the ball and it goes past you. If you really want to challenge yourself, try to keep the ball off the floor as much as possible.
Recommended Reading
Gaga Ball - It's SLAPS! for older players. more rules. Great fun.
Floor Square - It's a mix of Gaga Ball and Four Square!
Air Pong - Volleying without breaking everything in your house
Table Ball - Great lead-up to Four Square