Throw and Catch Your Hoop - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Throw and Catch Your Hoop

Make a lightweight hoop and practice throwing and catching it with a partner, learning coordination, aiming, and safe play techniques.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Throw and Catch Your Hoop

What you need

Pool noodle, duct tape, scissors, measuring tape or ruler, permanent marker, closed-toe shoes, adult supervision required

Step 1

Pick a pool noodle and bring it to a clear table or floor spot where you can work.

Step 2

Use a measuring tape or ruler to mark the length for your hoop on the pool noodle (about 20 inches works well).

Step 3

With adult supervision cut the pool noodle at the mark to make the hoop ends meet.

Step 4

Bend the cut noodle ends together so they form a circle.

Step 5

Wrap duct tape around the joined ends to hold the circle shape firmly.

Step 6

Toss the hoop gently onto a soft surface to check it stays together.

Step 7

Add more duct tape to any loose spots if the hoop comes apart.

Step 8

Put on closed-toe shoes before you move to play.

Step 9

Walk to an open space with a partner and stand three paces apart from each other.

Step 10

Hold the hoop with two hands so the hoop is steady and ready to throw.

Step 11

Make one gentle underhand toss toward your partner aiming at chest height.

Step 12

Have your partner catch by cupping their hands and pulling the hoop in close to their chest.

Step 13

After five successful catches increase the distance between you by one pace and keep practicing.

Step 14

Switch roles with your partner so both of you practice throwing and catching.

Step 15

Share a photo or description of your finished hoop and your practice on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use instead of a pool noodle if we can't find one?

If you don't have a pool noodle, use a rolled-up strip of foam from a yoga mat or a flexible cardboard tube cut to about 20 inches and join the ends with duct tape as in step 5.

The hoop falls apart when we toss it—how do we fix it?

If the hoop comes apart when you toss it (step 7), press the cut ends together, wrap several overlapping layers of duct tape around the joint (step 5), and retest by tossing onto a soft surface (step 7).

How can we adapt the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children have an adult do the cutting (step 3), start one pace apart with gentle underhand tosses (steps 11–12), and for older kids keep the three-pace start and increase the distance by a pace after five catches or try single-hand throws (steps 11–12).

How can we personalize or extend the hoop and game?

Personalize your hoop by wrapping it with colorful patterned duct tape and adding ribbon streamers taped on before practicing throws and sharing a photo on DIY.org (steps 5 and 13).

Watch videos on how to Throw and Catch Your Hoop

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Teaching Underhand Throwing and Catching Skills in #Physed |Cues and Station Activities|

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Facts about throwing and catching games for kids

🌀 Wham‑O popularized the plastic hula hoop in 1958, starting a worldwide craze — great inspiration for making your own hoop!

🥏 The name "Frisbee" comes from the Frisbie Pie Company; students tossed pie tins long before plastic flying discs existed.

👀 Practicing throw-and-catch games boosts hand–eye coordination — even short, regular practice can speed up reaction times.

🤝 Partner play builds teamwork and timing; using a soft, lightweight hoop makes practice safer and more fun.

🎯 Beginners have more success with underhand, arcing throws because they give the catcher extra time to track the hoop.

How do you play Throw and Catch Your Hoop?

To play Throw and Catch Your Hoop, first make a lightweight hoop from foam tubing or a pool noodle. Stand facing a partner a short distance apart. Use underhand tosses at first, aiming for the catcher’s torso or arms. The catcher uses both hands to secure the hoop, then returns it. Increase distance as skills improve. Take turns, keep play calm, and pause to reset if someone is off balance. Start close and slowly progress for safe, successful practice.

What materials do I need to make a lightweight hoop for the activity?

You’ll need soft, lightweight materials like a pool noodle, foam tubing, or a small plastic hula hoop. Add tape or a zip tie to join ends, scissors or a craft knife to trim, and optional foam or duct tape to smooth edges. For decorations use washable markers or stickers. A measuring tape helps make a comfortable hoop size. Choose soft, cushioned materials so the hoop won’t hurt if it hits someone during play.

What ages is Throw and Catch Your Hoop suitable for?

This activity suits preschoolers through older kids. Ages 3–5 benefit from short distances and close supervision with very soft hoops. Ages 6–8 can practice aiming and basic catching skills with slightly larger spacing. Ages 9+ can add accuracy challenges and longer throws. Always adjust distance and rules to each child’s coordination level, and supervise younger children to prevent falls or rough throwing.

What safety tips should parents follow when kids play Throw and Catch Your Hoop?

Choose a clear, flat play area free of furniture and tripping hazards. Use soft, lightweight hoops and teach underhand throws aimed at the torso, not the face. Supervise closely for younger children, keep turns orderly, and set a no-running rule while throwing. If playing on pavement, consider a soft surface or grass. Stop play if children become too rough or tired, and remind them to watch each other’s hands and feet.

Ready to create?