Materials:
- Sturdy paper plates (1 per team)
- Ping pong balls (1 per team or more for variations)
- A clear area for running (indoors or outdoors)
Setup:
- Divide the group into two or more teams.
- Mark a starting line for each team.
- Set a turnaround point (or a cone) at the other end of the space for the relay. The distance should be far enough to challenge players but safe for running.
- Give the first player in each team a paper plate and a ping pong ball.
Game Play:
- The first player on each team must balance the plate on one hand, holding it “waiter style” with the whole hand under the plate.
- Place one ping pong ball on the plate.
- When you say “Go,” the first players race to the turnaround point and back, balancing the ball on the plate.
- If the ball falls off the plate, they must go back to the start and begin again.
- Once the first player completes the race, they hand the plate and ball to the next player in line.
- The next player repeats the race.
- The first team to have all players finish the race wins.
Variations:
- For a challenge, add more ping pong balls to the plate for each new player.
- Instead of running in a straight line, players can weave in and out of teammates spaced out across the playing area.
Safety Notes:
- Make sure the running area is clear of obstacles to avoid tripping.
- Encourage players to run carefully to prevent dropping the ball or bumping into others.
For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/10513/silly-server-a-serving-game/