Hover football — floats on air, safe indoors

A football that floats a few millimetres off the floor on a cushion of air. Switch it on, set it down, and a kick sends it gliding across the room. A soft foam bumper runs all the way round, so it bounces off walls and furniture instead of marking them.

What it builds

• Footwork and balance, from kicking, chasing and stopping a ball that keeps moving
• Reaction speed, because it glides much faster than a rolling ball
• Turn-taking, when two children pass it back and forth
• A reason to move indoors on days when playing outside isn't possible

Why we stock it

A real football in the house breaks things. This one is light, stays on the floor and has foam all round the edge, so it can be played in a lounge without anyone worrying about the lamp. It glides on tiles, wood and other hard floors, which most homes here have. The lights under the shell make it fun in a dim room too.

The details

Age

3 and up

Players

1 or more

Bumper

Soft foam, all the way round

Lights

LED, under the shell

Floors

Smooth, hard floors: tile, wood, marble

Power

AA batteries, not included

In the box

One hover football, in the printed box. Fit the batteries, switch it on and put it on the floor.

Care

Wipe it with a dry cloth. Keep it off carpet, grass and wet floors, where it can't float and the fan picks up dirt. Switch it off after play, and take the batteries out if it won't be used for a while.

Specifications colours and content may vary from illustrations