Splat ball game
This sensory, sociable ball game uses bumpers to help players knock down the numbered targets. It’s a team sport, which can be played inside or outside, and the first team to 25 wins!
This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.
Who is this for?
This is a sports activity for people or groups of people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities, and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Why does this make a difference?
This is a sensory activity that supports social inclusion and getting active and helps people use their senses to connect with their surroundings, while building confidence and independence through learning new skills and making friends.
How to play
What you’ll need
- A large ball
- Numbered targets, which can be anything that’s easily knocked over
- Benches (to use as bumpers)
How to set up
- Set up the bumpers in a V shape
- The targets are set up in a semi-circle at the wide end of the V.
- The player starts at the narrow end of the V
Rules of the game
- Each player takes a turn rolling the ball off their lap or along the ground towards the targets
- Each time a target is knocked down, the number on it is counted as a point
- If a player shouts ‘splat’ when a target is knocked over, an extra point is given
- The team scores are added up as the game goes on
- The winner is the first team to reach 25 points
- Encourage participants to push the ball off or roll the ball independently
Other ways to play
- Get creative with your targets – but remember they have to be able to fall over
- Make it more sensory by making the skittles really bright colours or adding lights to them
- Adding benches as bumpers will make the game easier
- Adjust the challenge by spacing out the skittles, or moving them closer together