Target games
Bullseyes, number targets and aiming grids that turn a beanbag or a ball into a whole game of skill.
What are target games?
A target marking is a thermoplastic bullseye, scoring ring or aiming grid laid onto the playground for children to throw beanbags, roll balls or aim at. It puts a clear goal on the ground and a way to keep score, which is all a group of children needs to invent a game. Targets build hand-eye coordination and simple number work, since scoring rings double as a counting and addition exercise, and they pack a lot of active play into a small patch of tarmac. They are one type of playground markings we design and install.
Why do schools choose target games?
A game from a beanbag
A scoring target on the ground is all it takes. Children bring a beanbag or a ball and the game runs itself, with a way to keep score built in.
Builds coordination
Aiming, throwing and judging distance sharpens hand-eye coordination, and children practise it happily because they are competing for a score.
Sneaks in number work
Scoring rings are numbers, so keeping score is counting and adding without anyone calling it maths.
What types of target games do we install?
Aim-and-throw targets that turn a beanbag into a whole game.
Bullseye targets
Concentric scoring rings for beanbag and ball throwing, with the highest score in the middle.
Number and shape targets
Grids of numbers or shapes to aim at, doubling as a counting, adding and recognition game.
Target lines
Marked lines to throw from, for structured PE warm-ups and aiming practice.
4-way and themed targets
Large 4-way targets such as Shooting Star, and themed designs such as a whale, shark or turtle.
Target games: designs and guide prices
Every design in this range, 17 in all, each with a guide price you can add to a quote.
Prices exclude VAT
How do we install target games?
Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.
- 01
Survey
We find a spot with enough clear run-up and a safe throwing direction, away from windows, doorways and the busiest routes across the playground.
- 02
Design
We draw the target with its scoring and colours, so staff can see the layout and check it suits the age group before we lay it.
- 03
Install
The target is masked and applied in thermoplastic on site, and a set of targets is usually completed within a day.
- 04
Aftercare
Ready to use once cool. We can add target lines or more targets on a return visit.
What do target games cost?
Individual target designs cost from around £65 for target lines up to about £695 for a large 4-way target such as Shooting Star, fitted. These are guide prices for each design, and the final figure depends on the size, the number of scoring rings and colours, and access. We survey the spot and send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
Prices exclude VAT
Payment terms and any site-dependent charges, for example an aborted visit or extra cleaning, are set out in our terms.
Get a free design and quoteWhat is the specification for target games?
The key details for target games. We confirm everything on your design drawing.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Durable thermoplastic |
| Bullseye target | From around 1.5m to 3m across |
| Scoring | Numbered rings for counting and adding |
| Best placed | With a clear, safe throwing direction |
| Surface | Tarmac or macadam, sound and dry |
| Install time | A day for a set of targets |
What do our target games look like?
A closer look at targets and designs like them on real school playgrounds.
Thinking about targets for your school? See how our process works, from a free survey to install, meet the team behind your markings, or read reviews from schools we have worked with. For directional floor and site-navigation markings we also fit wayfinding markings.
Target games: your questions answered
What can children throw at the targets?
Beanbags are the usual choice because they are safe and easy to aim, and soft balls work too. We place targets with a clear run-up and a safe throwing direction, so schools can set the rules for what gets thrown and keep it away from windows and busy routes.
Do target markings help with maths?
They can. The scoring rings are numbers, so keeping score turns into counting and addition without it feeling like a lesson. Number and shape targets take that further, doubling as a recognition and mental-maths game while children think they are just aiming.
How much space does a target need?
Very little for the target itself, from around a metre and a half across, but you want a clear run-up in front of it. We choose the spot at survey so there is room to throw safely, which is usually easy to find even on a compact playground.
Get a free design and quote
Tell us about your playground and we will arrange a survey, draw targets around your site and send a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise. There is no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?
0333 321 6699Thanks, that is with us
We will be in touch as soon as possible to arrange your free design and quote. If it is urgent, call 0333 321 6699.
What works well with target games?
Related services and guides schools often pair with target games.
The experts behind your markings
The people who design, price and stand behind every Uniplay installation.
Michael Jarvie
Operations Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with over 16 years' experience in the playground markings industry and masses of industry knowledge. There is very rarely a thermoplastic query he cannot resolve.
Connect on LinkedIn
Victoria Walmsley
Sales and Marketing Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with a wealth of experience across all things thermoplastic, leading sales and marketing at Uniplay.
Connect on LinkedInReady to get your playground moving?
Tell us about your space and we will send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
- Free design and site survey
- No obligation
- Our own in-house installation team