My little boy is just seven years old and is always looking for outdoor activities. His sisters are too old to play with him, so the 'duty' normally falls to myself or his Mum. So as the nights are getting lighter and lighter, we are spending more time in the back garden.

Last week my wife was out shopping and came back with this game. I'd seen people using it on the beach before, and it looked fun. She told me that she only paid £3 for it. I've since since it online varying in price from £1.86 and JJB to just under £6.00 on Amazon.

The catcherball game looks very similar to the picture above. So what are you actually getting for your money? Well put simply two bats and a ball. The big difference here is that the bats are covered in velcro, and don't have a handle. They have a strap, that goes around your hand. When the ball is thrown it is meant to stick to the velcro, as it too is designed to stick.

The bat is often referred to as a pad and is about the same size as a plate. My colour is pink and green. My wife said that was the only colour they had left, or she would have got a different colour for our boy.

You can make up any rules you ike for the game but the general idea is to throw the ball, and the oppent will attempt to catch it on the bad. This usually means diving all over the grass, and on occasions we have come inside covered in grass stains.

The game is also ideal for the beach and is suitable for two people of any age, although the manufacturers suggest 3 years and up. The ball is not heavy, so is unlikely to hurt anybody, if you don't catch it.

I can't say how durable it is because we have only used it for a few hours. But I can say it is highly enjoyable and comes recommended.

Copyright stebiz 2012 - also on ciao.co.uk