At Bluearth we specialise in movements that involve not only the body, but also movements that centre around certain objects. This allows participants to experience a spectrum of physical activity and build a diverse set of skills.
In this article we share seven movements with objects that you can try at home. Enjoy!
#1 Minefield
Equipment Required: Cones
Abilities Involved: Listening, Communication, Trust, Teamwork
Requiring two people, the aim of minefield is for the driver to guide their passenger through the minefield using only their hands for directions (no speaking), so they get to the other side without stepping on a cone.
To play minefield, simply spread out some cones in an open area and designate a passenger and driver. Once the driver has successfully led the passenger through the minefield, swap positions so each person has a go at each role.
#2 Modified Golf
Equipment Required: Tennis Ball, Buckets
Abilities Involved: Throwing, Coordination, Agility
Modified Golf is a variation of the popular sport, using a tennis ball instead of a golf ball, buckets instead of holes, and your arm instead of a golf club.
Sound fun? Here’s how it works:
With the buckets acting as the holes, spread a few around your backyard or park. Once the course is set, the aim is to throw the tennis ball as close as you can to the first bucket, picking it back up and throwing it again until you get it in the bucket. Once you successfully get the ball in the bucket, you can move on to the second one, then the third, and so on.
Challenge yourself by using your opposite hand, or alternating hands with each throw.
#3 Gladiators
Equipment Required: Hula Hoop
Abilities Involved: Stability, Strength, Persistence, Resilience
Gladiators is the perfect activity to get the blood and laughter flowing.
Place a hula hoop on the floor between you and your partner, so the tip of your shoes are flush with the hoop. Link arms by holding onto each other’s wrists. The aim is to make the partner step into the hoop by pulling, pushing and maneuvering them with link hands only.
If you want, you can make it more challenging by standing on one leg.
#4 Soccer Skittles
Equipment Required: Plastic Bottles, Ball
Abilities Involved: Kicking towards a target, Foot-eye coordination
Soccer Skittles is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
Here’s how it works:
Head to your recycling bin and rummage for at least six plastic bottles to turn into skittles (it doesn’t matter if they’re different shapes.) Give them a rinse and fill each one with a cup of water or sand for stability.
Once your bottle skittles are ready to go, place them in a line or a triangle shape, grab a ball and kick it at the skittles, aiming to knock them over.
If you want, make it more challenging by using a smaller ball, kicking from the side or over a greater distance.
#5 Indoor Rock Climbing
Equipment Required: Socks
Abilities Involved: Coordination, Agility, Strength
Who’s up for some indoor rock climbing? Grab some rolled up pairs of socks and find some space, and you’re ready to get started.
Create a rock climbing wall on the floor by spreading out pairs of socks, some close together and some further apart.
Starting on one end of the wall, the aim is to use your hands and feet to get to the other end without falling off – keeping your body nice and low to the ground.
#6 Cup Challenge
Equipment Required: Coloured Cups
Abilities Involved: Listening, Reaction Time, Coordination, Agility
Using a common household object, this activity is a lot of fun.
Here’s how it works:
Nominate someone to give you instructions and place four different coloured plastic cups upside down on the floor in front of you.
The instructor will say a random order of heads, shoulders, knees, toes etc. then a colour of one of the cups. It’s your job to pick up the corresponding cup and hold it in the air as quickly as possible.
Challenge yourself by spreading the cups out around you and standing in the middle of them, ready to pounce once the colour is announced.
Swap with the instructor.
#7 Beanbag Crossover
Equipment Required: Two different coloured beanbags
Abilities Involved: Catching, Reaction Time, Anticipation
Beanbag Crossover is a partner activity centred around catching that incorporates left and right brain function and develops both sides of the body.
Grab two different coloured bean bags to get started.
Standing facing a partner approximately three metres away, explore passing one bean bag and catching with one hand (any hand) only.
Next, make an agreement to catch the beanbag on the same side it is passed to you. For example, if it comes on your right side, catch it with your right hand.
Now, using the different coloured beanbag, agree to catch with the opposite hand. For example, if it comes in on your right side, catch it with your left hand. Make sure your hand crosses over midline to make the catch.
Next, explore alternating or randomly throwing bags, one colour representing same side catching, the other colour representing opposite side catching.
Swap positions with your partner.