An introduction to ball games
Channel: British Library
Date: 2016-10-13

Ball games have long held a special place in children's playgrounds. Games such as 'two ball' or 'one, two, three A 'Leary' were enthusiastically played by children, particularly girls, throughout the 1960s and 1970s. 

Players would transform this basic game of throwing a ball against a wall into a game of skill and co-ordination, as they placed the ball under the leg, between the legs, or over the shoulder, and decorated their moves with twirls, spins, skips and claps. 

Other various and personalised ball games proliferate across playgrounds today, such as four square, dodge ball, hand tennis, lob, and of course, football. Whether played as a game, as a chance to perfect one's 'skills', to discuss one's favourite team, or simply to act out the part of TV commentator, football remains a permanent popular feature in the ever-transient environment of the playground. 

Introduction by Michael Rosen. 

Explore more films along with articles and teaching resources on the British Library’s Playtimes website: http://www.bl.uk/playtimes