Ages: 6 and up
Players: 6 to 20
Time: 15 minutes
Place: chairs in two rows
Energy: active
Group size: Medium group (9 to 20)
Good for: Children, Adults, Elders, All ages together, Office

What you need

Two rows of sturdy chairs facing each other about two metres apart, a string or dupatta tied across the middle at sitting head height, two or three balloons.

How to play

Seat the two teams in their rows, facing the net.
Toss a balloon into play. Teams hit it over the net with open hands.
A team may touch the balloon any number of times on its own side, but nobody may hold it.
A team scores a point when the balloon touches the floor on the other side, or when an opponent stands up or leaves the chair to reach it.
Whoever is nearest picks the balloon up and serves it by tapping it over.

Who wins

First team to fifteen points wins. Play the best of three games and swap sides.

Variations and tips

Two balloons at once.
"Sitting football": players sit on the floor and use only their feet.
Blanket version for children: each team holds the edges of a bedsheet and uses it to toss and catch the balloon.

Safety and kindness

Use chairs without wheels, on a floor where they will not slide, and leave space behind them. Players who cannot raise their arms comfortably can be scorers or servers. Pick up burst balloon pieces at once if babies are about.

Common problems and how to fix them

Players stand up in excitement. One warning, then a point to the other side; make it a running joke.
The balloon drifts out of reach. Keep a spare ready and play on.

Party plans that use this game

Host tools

Time the round with the party timer, make chits or random teams with the chit maker, and keep the points on the scoreboard.

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