Are you looking for a simple, fun, and engaging PE activity that gets kids moving while practicing important motor skills? Keepy Uppy is a fantastic game to build hand-eye coordination, focus, and teamwork — and best of all, it requires minimal equipment and setup!
In this post, I’ll break down how I play Keepy Uppy, suggest some fun variations, and share tips for maximizing student engagement.
I first saw this game concept shared by Chris Walker at a conference, he used paddles and hula hoops, but it’s essentially the same idea the way I play it.
You can also check out the video below for an overview and example of the game:
Let’s break down the game rules from the video below
How to Play Keepy Uppy
Objective:
Keep the balloon (or beach ball) in the air for as long as possible!
Equipment Needed:
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1 balloon and one polyspot for each set of partner
Set Up:
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After demonstrating the game students can spread out anywhere in the playing area
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Review safe movement around others (Don’t run into your classmates and stay on your feet!)
Game Rules:
- Server will hit the balloon upward two times, on the second hit, the balloon must go above their head
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While your partner is serving you must stand on the polyspot until the second hit, on the second hit you will run to the balloon and your partner will run to the dot
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The play continues until there is a mistake and someone scores a point
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You can play competitive or cooperative
- Competitive: Play first to 3 points and reset to play again
- Cooperative: Count your hits with your partner and see how high you can get
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You score a point when your partner makes a mistake, or if your playing cooperative, you restart counting if either of you make a mistake
Examples of Mistakes:
- Hitting the balloon three times
- Allowing the balloon to touch the ground
- Not hitting the balloon over your head on the second hit
- Not running to the dot when it is your partners turn to hit the ball
- Leaving the dot before your partners second hit
Refinements and Teaching Tips:
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Emphasize soft taps and teamwork.
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Remind students to keep their eyes on the balloon and move their feet to get under it.
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Encourage good sportsmanship by cheering for teammates.
- Safety Reminders: Look where your going and stay on your feet
Variations
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Solo Challenge: How many taps can you get without dropping the balloon?
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Team Challenge: If your in a small space, work in teams of 3-4 and see how long your team can keep it up without dropping it!
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One-Hand Only: Players can only use one hand to tap.
- Crabber Keepy Uppy – Play while crab walking and use your feet to keep the balloon up
- Play with Paddles: This is the version of this game I first saw from Chris Walker
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No Hands: Use elbows, knees, feet, or head to keep the balloon up!
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Timed Challenge: How long can you keep it off the ground? Set a 1- or 2-minute timer.
- Taps Challenge: How many taps can you get in 60 seconds with your partner?
Why I Love This Game
Keepy Uppy is one of those “simple but brilliant” games that kids love.
It helps students practice important skills like:
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Hand-eye coordination
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Reaction time
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Teamwork and communication
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Spatial awareness
Plus, it’s low-pressure, easy to adapt for different ability levels, and adds instant fun to any PE lesson
Anytime we are using balloons I normally have my kiddos try this one out.
For my K-2nd students we usually do the cooperative version and my 3rd – 5th students enjoy the competitive version, but I also give them the option to play cooperative if they want to.
