DIY Project

Recycled

Seated balloon volleyball

A homemade seated game with pool-noodle paddles and a balloon, gentle exercise that gets a whole room laughing.

Seated balloon volleyball
LevelBeginner
Time20 minutes to make, then play as long as you like
Cost$4 to $10

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Use latex-free balloons in care settings, keep wheelchair brakes on, and pick up popped balloon pieces right away, since they are a choking hazard.

  1. Step 1: Cut the noodles
    1

    Cut the noodles

    Saw each noodle into 2 ft lengths with a bread knife. That's one paddle per person.

  2. Step 2: Tape the grips
    2

    Tape the grips

    Wrap colored duct tape around one end for a grip and a team color.

  3. Step 3: Blow up a balloon
    3

    Blow up a balloon

    Inflate the balloon until it's firm but not tight. Keep a spare or two.

  4. Step 4: Set up the net
    4

    Set up the net

    Tie the rope between 2 chairs at about head height for seated players.

  5. Step 5: Seat the teams
    5

    Seat the teams

    Arrange chairs in 2 rows facing each other across the rope.

  6. Step 6: Play
    6

    Play

    Tap the balloon over the rope with a paddle or hands. Count how long the team can keep it up.

Edie's tip

Counting the volley together works better than keeping score. Everyone wins when it stays up.

Written by the DIY Project team. How we check · Report a mistake

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