My kids got a bit competitive with this DIY toy idea, the classic Cup & Ball Game, each of them tallying up the number of times they were able to do it, but then mom stepped in and knocked them out of the water. Sorry guys, did I mention I love simple games like this?

In the U.S. this classic toy goes by the clearly enticing name Cup & Ball Toy…but in other parts of the world it is know by much more exotic names like Boliche,  Balero,  Bilboquet,  Kendama and Bilbocatch. But no matter how you swing it (pun intended) it’s a great way to test hand eye coordination.

I have two versions of this DIY toy. The first version I made for PBS Parents Crafts for Kids which you can find over here ORIGINAL CUP & BALL GAME TUTORIAL The second method is a simplified version you can find below:

SIMPLIFIED CUP & BALL GAME

This version is based on modifications made by our STEAM students over the years.

Materials:

• Small cup 
• Craft Stick
• Large Bead
• Yarn
• Hot Glue Gun
• Optional: Tape and markers to decorate your toy

Instructions:

1. Cut a 12-inch piece of yarn and tie a bead to the end.
2. Hot glue the loose end to the bottom of the cup.
3. Hot glue a craft stick on top of the yarn end to create a handle.
4. Decorate cup if desired.

How to Play

The object of the game is to gently swing the ball up and into the cup.

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