Each TOY or GAME has a STORY to share with kids.

Today, it’s BEACH PADDLE BALL’S turn to tell its story (with a little help from Grandma Sharon)…

WHAT is Beach Paddle Ball: Beach Paddle Ball is a game played with 2 – 4 players, using 16-inch wooden paddles with short handles and a small, hollow rubber ball.

HOW is Beach Paddle Ball played:  Players hit the ball back-and-forth individually or in teams, keeping the ball alive (in the air).   There is no net.

Boundaries can be drawn in the beach sand, making the competition a little more interesting and lively.

WHERE is Beach Paddle Ball played:  ON THE BEACH, generally close to the waterline where the sand is flat and moist enough to draw boundary lines.

(The game is also played in open places other than the beach, but the beach provides the extra fun of landing in the water when trying to keep the ball in play.)

WHO plays Beach Paddle Ball:  Kids of all ages play Beach Paddle Ball.

In Israel, Beach Paddle Ball is a hugely popular game called Matkot, a word believed to be derived from the Hebrew word meaning a knock.  Israel has requested that the Olympic Committee consider it a sport at the London 2012 Olympic Games.   Hmmmm.  What do you think?

Beach Paddle Ball is also popular in Brazil, and is known as Frescoball.

Beach Paddle Ball is also known as Smashball and Beach Tennis.

WHY is Beach Paddle Ball popular:  It’s FUN.  It’s challenging.  It’s internationally known.  It’s great exercise.  Anyone can play.  It can be played anywhere, not just on the beach!

Get your kids and grandkids into the game of Beach Paddle Ball.  It provides hours of fun and exercise to boot!

And join me here each day in July for TOY STORIES on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids! A little fun, a little learning and a little “ta-dah!”