Head to any school playground or gymnasium and you'll find balls galore. Whether they're foam, rubber or leather, colorful or bland, hard or soft, physical fitness and sports revolve around the use of balls. Different balls and different games help students to learn different skills contributing to coordination. Games that focus on bouncing a ball, such as basketball, are particularly helpful for honing hand-eye coordination. If basketball isn't your thing, look into other options for games that involve bouncing balls.
Table Tennis
Table tennis requires hand-eye coordination, reflex speed and mental strategy. When you bounce the ball over the net, you need to anticipate the movement of your opponent, predict where the ball will land and determine how you will return it over the net. Even though table tennis isn't considered an aerobic activity, the skills you learn and hone while playing pay off. According to the website Killerspin, table tennis provides anyone of any age, sex or ability level with a social outlet for mental and physical competition.
Four Square
Classically played on playgrounds, four square involves bouncing a ball between four different squares, with a different player playing each square.
To play, draw four squares of equal size in a grid formation, creating a singular, larger square. Number the squares one through four. The server starts in square number four, bounces the ball once in his square before hitting the ball to another players' square. The ball must bounce in another players' square in order to continue play. If it falls outside the squares, the server is "out" and the other players move up into the next numbered space. The ball may bounce only once in any given players' square before they must hit it to another square. Many children come up with names of "plays" and certain ways to hit the ball. This game requires hand-eye coordination, strategy and skill. And the best part is, it doesn't need to be limited to kids. Adults can grab their three closest friends and start a game out in the driveway or at the park. All you need is a bouncy playground ball and you'll be ready for action.
Tennis
Individuals who play tennis benefit from increased aerobic and anaerobic fitness, improved agility, balance, coordination and flexibility, as well as improved hand-eye coordination. As a weight-bearing activity that requires running and jumping, tennis also improves leg strength and bone density. If you've never played before, all you need is a friend, access to a community tennis court, a racquet and a tennis ball. Serve the ball to your opponent, and when she hits it back, allow the ball to bounce once on your court before returning the ball. With a few lessons, you'll learn the finesse of the serve and a proper backhand, but if you just want an outlet for an aerobic activity, don't bother with lessons and just keep it simple and fun.
