Pig Popper

Pig Popper

Pig Popper is a fun way to get in some target practice and work on hand and finger strength at the same time.

To start, set up targets around the room that you want to launch small, lightweight balls at. Then, place one of the balls in the pig's mouth and push it in. The pig is made of stiff plastic and it will take some hand strength to push the ball into the mouth and then to squeeze it back out. Now aim toward your target and squeeze the pig's stomach to launch the ball. This will take both hands for most people. Balls can travel up to 20 feet, depending on how hard you squeeze and how far you pushed the ball into the pig. Not an activity for those with very weak hands. There are lots of different animals to choose from and the balls from one set will fit the others, with the exception of the small seasonal sets that are sold in stores like Target. Kids have loved these.

Check out this Pig Popper Target.

Try this:

• Measure the distance you can pop the ball.  Go again and see if you can beat your distance.
• Make a large round target and tape it to the door. Divide the circle into several sections (like a bullseye) and assign points to the sections. Aim for the middle, and give points for wherever the ball hits. Play again and try to beat your score by getting closer and closer to the middle on most balls.
• Set up small targets and see if you can knock them over.
• Take the popper outside and aim for targets where you won't accidentally hit and break something (keep away from dogs or animals who might chew and/or swallow them).
• Set up targets on a level plane at equal distances, then a variety of elevated planes at equal distances, then at different distances.
• Hang (or hold up) a hula hoop and see how far back you can stand and still pop them through the hoop.
• Set up empty pop cans on the picnic table or ledge and see how many you can knock over.
• Make a game out of picking up the balls that fly astray (there will probably be lots) to make it seem less like work and more like fun. For instance give a point for each ball collected.
• Start where the individual is and make the pig harder and harder to squeeze as you go. Pushing the ball into the pig's mouth gently will not require much hand strength. Pushing it in as far as it will go will require more hand strength to squeeze it out.
• Work on eye-hand coordination, strength, aim, visual tracking, coordinated use of both hands, socialization skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation, manual dexterity, spatial relations

In the package: Plastic pig, 6 foam balls, net bag

If you are interested in purchasing a popper/extra balls/target, or just want more information, click on one of the images below to go to Amazon.com.