Favorite Facts Balloon Challenge – Human Kinetics

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Favorite Facts Balloon Challenge

This is an excerpt from Brain Health and Exercise by Ryan Glatt,Aimee Nicotera.

Primary physical skill or focus: Cardiovascular endurance, coordination

Cognitive domain: Executive function, processing speed

Cognitive subdomain: Working memory, simple processing speed, multitasking

Setup

Participants: Pairs (coach and client or participant pairs)

Environment: A designated area long enough to allow lateral movement across a distance

Equipment: One balloon per pair

Preparation

The number of participants and the setting (in-person or virtual) affect how the drill is executed:

  • One-on-one: The client pairs with the coach.
  • Group: Execute as described.
  • Virtual: The client moves across a designated space while tapping the balloon, not letting it drop to the floor. The coach may ask the client questions or the client may ask the coach questions.

Pairs start at one side of the designated space, facing each other.

Game Play

Pairs hit a balloon alternately back and forth while moving laterally across the space. The coach specifies the type of lateral movement (e.g., side steps) to be used while moving, as well as which hand may be used to strike the balloon. Throughout both out-and-back journeys, the coach randomly calls out rule changes regarding which body part should tap the balloon. These changes may be left hand only, right hand only, right elbow and left hand, each player must strike twice in a row, and so on. In addition, pairs must engage in conversation, learning three to five favorite facts about their partner by the end of the out-and-back round. (The coach may provide some direction as far as the category and subject matter is concerned. Favorite facts include favorite foods, favorite restaurants, favorite TV show, favorite author, and favorite color). On reaching the opposite side of the space, pairs repeat the movement pattern on the way back to the starting position. If the balloon touches the ground before reaching the other side, pairs must return to the starting position and begin again.

Favorite Facts Balloon Challenge
Duration

The drill continues for a duration deemed appropriate by the coach.

Competition
  • Pairs can compete for the fastest time.
  • Pairs can compete for the highest number of lateral passes made across space within a set time.
  • Pairs can compete for reporting back the most favorite facts about each other.

See table 8.4 for regressions and progressions of the drill.

Notes
  • Participants can blow balloons up at the beginning of the drill.
  • The coach should incorporate movements that are appropriate for the group.
  • Be sure there is adequate space to perform the drill safely.
Table 8.4 Regressions and Progressions for Favorite Facts Balloon Challenge
More Excerpts From Brain Health and Exercise

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