No.226
Paper-Cup Kendama
Japanese name: 紙コップけん玉
Materials
- 1–2 paper cups per person
- A short length of string
- A large, softly crumpled paper ball
- Tape
- A pen
How to play
- Tape one end of the string to the outside of a cup's base. If using two cups, tape their bases together so that the joined area forms a handle.
- Secure the other end to the paper ball. Make the ball large enough to avoid being too small, but small enough to fit inside the cup. Cover it with tape so it will not unravel.
- Hold a cup with its opening upward. First place the ball inside by hand to check that it sits securely. Then let it hang outside and gently lift the cup.
- Catch the rising ball in the cup. Keep attempts below face height and avoid swinging forcefully. If you miss, let the ball stop before trying again.
- Pause after every five attempts and count successful catches. Share a lifting technique that worked. Finally check the string and tape for looseness and put everything away.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: a short string and wide cup opening. Primary school children: vary the string length slightly.