Rainbow UltraPlay RecessReady Jr Sport Balls

Introduce sports to elementary students using our toughest rubber playground balls in sizes they can easily throw and catch. The cover is made of a specially-designed three-ply rubber that's made to last, but is softer than other rubber balls to create little to no sting when catching the balls. This combination makes them superb introductory and non-intimidating balls for younger students. A tacky texture also aids in throwing and catching them. The design resembles traditional sports balls, while the bright colors create excitement and make it easy to create color-coded games. Choose from footballs (junior), basketballs (size 6), or soccer balls (size 4).

15 Engaging PE Activities Using Rainbow UltraPlay RecessReady Jr Sport Balls

The Rainbow UltraPlay RecessReady Jr Sport Balls are a complete set of smaller-sized, lightweight versions of classic sports balls—perfect for younger students or smaller hands. With a soft, tacky cover and superior grip, these durable balls are ideal for both indoor and outdoor play. Each set includes a variety of ball types (volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, and playground balls) and comes with a convenient storage bag, making it an all-in-one solution for PE teachers looking to teach a wide range of fundamental movement skills across different sports in a developmentally appropriate way. These 15 creative activity ideas are designed to use the set to its fullest potential in building students’ physical literacy and confidence in movement.

1. Mini Match Madness: Set up small-sided games for each sport using the Jr Sport Balls—mini basketball, soccer, and volleyball games running simultaneously. Emphasizes sport-specific manipulative skills and teamwork.

2. Tiny Tiki Toss: Use the Jr football for a target-throwing game where students try to throw through hanging hoops or knock down cones. Builds throwing accuracy and hand-eye coordination.

3. Rainbow Rondo Ring: A 3v1 keep-away game using the Jr soccer ball where students pass around the circle while the middle player tries to intercept. Develops kicking, passing, and quick direction changes.

4. Catch That Color! Spread out all the Jr balls. When a color is called, students must run, locate, and toss that color ball to a partner. Teaches color recognition, running, and catching.

5. Fast Feet Football Frenzy: Students complete footwork drills while holding a Jr football, then transition to passing or rolling it to a teammate. Builds footwork, throwing, and coordination.

6. Mini Rainbow Relay: Relay-style races using different balls at each station—dribble basketball, volley volleyball, kick soccer ball. Blends multiple manipulative and locomotor skills.

7. Bounce, Pass & Pivot: Students bounce the basketball, pivot, and pass to a teammate in rapid succession. Emphasizes pivoting, passing, and ball control.

8. Color Coded Catch: In pairs, students toss and catch the same colored Jr ball. When teachers call “Switch!”, students find a new partner and ball. Develops catching, social interaction, and spatial awareness.

9. Bump Set Slide: In groups of three, students perform bump–set–pass patterns while sliding laterally. Targets volleyball coordination and teamwork.

10. Flick & Fly Football: Students practice soft one-hand flick passes with the Jr football to a partner 5–10 feet away. Improves fine motor throwing and accuracy.

11. Slam, Sit, Serve: Students complete a volleyball serve and then must sit down as quickly as possible, challenging reaction speed and technique. Builds serving and quick transitions.

12. Mini Touchdown Trek: Set up end zones using cones, and students must run with the Jr football and pass to score. Encourages running, throwing, and stopping.

13. Spin & Save Soccer: Students spin once, then try to stop a slowly rolling Jr soccer ball with their feet before it crosses a boundary. Works on spatial awareness and reaction.

14. Color Catch Chaos: Students form two lines. The teacher calls out a color and a movement (e.g., “Red—hop!”), and the first student must hop and catch that color ball. Emphasizes listening, hopping, and catching.

15. Touch, Tap, Toss: Students touch the ball to three body parts (e.g., head, knee, shoulder) before tossing it to a partner. Develops body awareness and tossing coordination.