No.297
Keentan: Catch in the Air
Japanese name: キーエンタン（空中でキャッチ）
Materials
- 1 lightweight, soft ball per group
- Markers for standing positions
How to play
- Form a circle of four to six players, about 3 m apart. Choose positions that prevent collisions. One player starts with the ball.
- The thrower calls the receiver’s name, makes a small jump and gently passes while airborne, aiming at an easy catching height.
- The receiver also makes a small jump on the spot, catching while their feet are off the ground. Land and regain balance before passing to the next person in the same way.
- Count consecutive airborne catches. A drop or a catch after landing resets the count to zero; restart with that player. Never move underneath another jumper.
- Five consecutive catches are a shared success. Prioritise players who have not received yet. Change the starting player and finish after three attempts.
Ways to adapt
Begin with catches while standing. Anyone who finds jumping difficult can stay grounded and raise both hands to receive. Agree on an equivalent condition so everyone can share the same circle.