Activity Title: Socum or modified dodgeball

Source: Dixon, C. " Sports Activities Played with a Ball." Therapeutic Recreation Directory. nd.
Web. 15 Sept. 2015. http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txball.htm.
Equipment: 2 to 4 Safesoft balls; cones, jump ropes or colored tape to mark court halves
Description of Activity:
The objective of the activity is to encourage socialization, fair play, teamwork, and physical
activity. Participants are divided into 2 teams. Using lines on the floor, cones, jump ropes, or
colored tape, divide the playing area into 2 courts and then divide each individual court into a
front and back, the front court being the one closer to the center of the playing area. Have all
participants start from their respective front courts. The objective is to hit members of the
opposing team with the balls. If a team member is hit, they move to the back court but continue
to play the game, no one is ever out. Once a team has successfully managed to get every
member of the opposing team into their back court, they win the game and the players reset to
the starting position.
Leadership considerations:
This activity is good for moderate to large groups depending on the size of the playing area.
Basketball courts or open grassy areas are ideal for this activity. The therapist should instruct
participants to keep the game friendly and cooperate with their team members.
Adaptations:
Participants Using Wheelchairs: Larger Safesoft balls may be used because they are easier to
pick up from a chair. Also, the rules may be altered so that a hit only counts if the ball hits a
players body, not their chair.
Individuals with Behavioral Disabilities/At Risk Youth: The therapist might ask participants to be
involved in the rule-making process by asking questions like, Should a caught ball count as a
hit against the thrower? Also, teams might be prompted to strategize before the game to
promote cooperation. The therapist(s) must be alert to over-aggressive play and be prepared to
stop the game to process any inappropriate behaviors.

Activity Title: Kangaroo Ball

Source: Orlick, T. (1982). The second cooperative sports & games book (p. 88). New York:
Pantheon Books.
Equipment: Balls of various sizes (kick balls or soccer balls are ideal)
Description of Activity: The objective of this activity is to increase coordination, endurance,
cooperation, and communication while promoting physical activity and self-efficacy. First,
participants are divided into groups of three and the therapist explains the rules of the game.
Two group members stand or sit facing each other while they roll a ball back and forth while the
third group member stands between them and jumps over the ball, doing a half turn with every
jump as to maintain eye contact with the ball. Group members rolling the ball must adjust their
speed to the jumpers instructions. The jumper is allowed to call out faster, slower, or
perfect. The objective of the game is for the jumper to try and jump as fast as possible and/or
for as long as possible. All players may take turns being the jumper.
Leadership considerations: This activity is best for small groups of 3-12 and should take place
in a gym, cleared activity room, or outdoor setting free of potential hazards. This activity would
be the most appropriate for children and early adolescents. The therapist plays the role of
facilitator throughout the activity. Smaller, lighter balls may be used for participants who have
trouble with jumping. The therapist should stress that the job of the passers is to cooperate
with the jumpers instructions and be supportive towards each other. The therapist should
encourage participants by cheering them on and encouraging them to have fun without trying to
compete against other groups. Depending on the population of the group, a higher
therapist/facilitator to participant ratio may be needed. Water should be provided and/or readily
available to participants.
Adaptations:
Children with ADHD: Children with ADHD often have trouble remaining attentive and following
directions (Action for Healthy Kids, 2015). The therapist should be patient and redirect children
as needed. The therapist might begin the game with less rules and gradually increase the
structure of the game as it goes along by shouting out new instructions. This way, children can
focus on one aspect of the game at a time. Also, medications for ADHD could have a significant
impact on childrens energy levels (Action for Healthy Kids, 2015). It is important to allow
participants to take breaks as needed.
Children with Down Syndrome: Children with Down syndrome may experience a wide variety of
cognitive and physical limitations (Action for Healthy Kids, 2015). Adjustments may be made to
the rules so that theyre simpler and easier to follow (ex. removing the half turn requirement).
Physical adjustments may include using smaller size balls and/or allowing children to step over
the ball rather than jump with two feet at once (Orlick, 1982).
Action for Healthy Kids (2015). Including All Children. Retrieved from
http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/what-we-do/programs/game-on/about-gameon/850-children-disabilities#categories
Orlick, T. (1982). The second cooperative sports & games book (p. 88). New York: Pantheon
Books.