Upper Body Strength & Stretch Skills: Flexibility and muscular strengthening in the arms, shoulders, and back

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Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Upper Body Strength & Stretch Skills: Flexibility and

Healthy Body Fact: The food pyramid helps us to learn that whole grains, fruits and vegetables,

1 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Upper Body Strength & Stretch Skills: Flexibility and muscular strengthening in the arms, shoulders, and back Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 4.3.6: Students will demonstrate basic stretches using proper alignment for major muscle groups. Healthy Body Fact: The food pyramid helps us to learn that whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and protein are necessary for our bodies. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Curl-Ups Skills: Core strengthening and muscular endurance Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels.

Healthy Body Fact: Using the abdominals (stomach muscles) for curl-ups improves muscular endurance, which is the ability to

2 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Curl-Ups Skills: Core strengthening and muscular endurance Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 3: Students assess and maintain a level of physical fitness to improve health and performance. Healthy Body Fact: Using the abdominals (stomach muscles) for curl-ups improves muscular endurance, which is the ability to use muscles many times without becoming tired. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Push-Ups Skills: Arm, shoulder, and trunk strengthening Level 1

Healthy Body Fact: Core exercises strengthen the muscles of the back, pelvis, and the abdominals.

3 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Push-Ups Skills: Arm, shoulder, and trunk strengthening Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 4.3.4: Students will perform increasing numbers of curl-ups and push-ups. Healthy Body Fact: Core exercises strengthen the muscles of the back, pelvis, and the abdominals. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Continuous Movement Skills: Cardiovascular endurance Level 2 Level 1

4 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Continuous Movement Skills: Cardiovascular endurance Level 2 Level 1 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 8.1: Student will maintain movement activity for a set time period. Physical Education Standard 4.3.7: Students will sustain continuous movement for increasing periods of time while participating in moderate to vigorous physical activities. Healthy Body Fact: It is recommended that children get 60 minutes of activity daily. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Jump Rope Skills: Jumping, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, muscular strength and

Physical Education Standard 5.1.4: Students will enter, jump, and leave a long rope turned by others. 4.1.5: Students will jump a self-turned rope.

It is a great activity for cardiovascular endurance and it combines the skills of agility, coordination and timing.

5 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Jump Rope Skills: Jumping, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, muscular strength and endurance Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 3.5: Student will move body and limbs in different positions. Physical Education Standard 5.1.4: Students will enter, jump, and leave a long rope turned by others : Students will jump a self-turned rope. Healthy Body Fact: Jumping rope can burn 1,000 calories per hour. It is a great activity for cardiovascular endurance and it combines the skills of agility, coordination and timing. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Jump to It Skills: Jumping, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, muscular

5: Student will move body and limbs in different directions. Physical Education Standard 5.1.

Healthy Body Fact: If you eat an extra 100 calories every day (like a small bag of chips), you will gain about one

6 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Jump to It Skills: Jumping, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance Level 2 Level 1 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 3.5: Student will move body and limbs in different directions. Physical Education Standard 5.1.2: Students will jump for height using proper takeoff and landing form. Healthy Body Fact: If you eat an extra 100 calories every day (like a small bag of chips), you will gain about one pound a month. One pound = 3,500 calories. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Jump Over It Skills: Jumping, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance Level 1 Level 2/3 Functional

3: Students will jump for distance using proper take-off and landing form. Healthy Body Fact: Your heart is a muscle that becomes stronger when you exercise.

7 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Jump Over It Skills: Jumping, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance Level 1 Level 2/3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 7.2: Student will navigate obstacles in path of travel. Physical Education Standard 5.1.3: Students will jump for distance using proper take-off and landing form. Healthy Body Fact: Your heart is a muscle that becomes stronger when you exercise. Physical activity helps to promote a longer and healthier life. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Fast Feet Skills: Moving through obstacles, agility, directionality, and coordination Level 1 Level 2/3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 5.

Healthy Body Fact: Agility is the ability to change the body s position quickly and smoothly and requires a combination of balance, speed, strength, and coordination.

8 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Fast Feet Skills: Moving through obstacles, agility, directionality, and coordination Level 1 Level 2/3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 5.4: Student will travel and change course in response to direction. Physical Education Standard 4.1.2: Students will change direction quickly to maintain spacing between players. Healthy Body Fact: Agility is the ability to change the body s position quickly and smoothly and requires a combination of balance, speed, strength, and coordination. Improving agility helps improve skill performance especially during game play. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Back Saver Skills: Flexibility and muscular strengthening Level 1 Level 3 Level 2

6: Students will demonstrate basic stretches using proper alignment for major muscle groups.

9 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Back Saver Skills: Flexibility and muscular strengthening Level 1 Level 3 Level 2 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 4.3.6: Students will demonstrate basic stretches using proper alignment for major muscle groups. Healthy Body Fact: Flexibility is the ability of a joint to move through a full range of motion. Improved flexibility reduces the risk of injury and low back pain. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Sit, Reach, and Bend Skills: Flexibility

fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 4.3.

10 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Sit, Reach, and Bend Skills: Flexibility and muscular strengthening Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 4.3.6: Students will demonstrate basic stretches using proper alignment for major muscle groups. Healthy body fact: Stretching promotes muscular relaxation and improves posture. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Lower Body Strength & Stretch Skills: Muscular strengthening in the legs and hips Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.

11 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Lower Body Strength & Stretch Skills: Muscular strengthening in the legs and hips Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 16.3: Student will identify and perform activities that increase/maintain personal fitness levels. Physical Education Standard 4.3.6: Students will demonstrate basic stretches using proper alignment for major muscle groups. Healthy Body Fact: Making healthy choices for meals and snacks helps to improve physical performance. It is important to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Soccer Skills: Eye-foot coordination, kicking, passing,

4: Student will make contact with the ball with a body part to direct the ball to a specific

15: Students will dribble a ball and kick it toward a goal, while being guarded.

When you exercise, your body produces sweat to cool your body.

12 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Soccer Skills: Eye-foot coordination, kicking, passing, and shooting Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 11.4: Student will make contact with the ball with a body part to direct the ball to a specific target. Physical Education Standard : Students will dribble a ball and kick it toward a goal, while being guarded. Healthy Body Fact: The body is made up of 70% water. When you exercise, your body produces sweat to cool your body. It is important to drink water to re-hydrate your body. Drink before you get thirsty! Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Basketball Skills: Eye-hand coordination, dribbling,

5: Student will manipulate object in a variety of ways. Physical Education Standard 4.1.

Healthy Body Fact: Your pulse rate is the number of times your heart beats each minute.

13 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Basketball Skills: Eye-hand coordination, dribbling, passing, and shooting Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 9.5: Student will manipulate object in a variety of ways. Physical Education Standard : Students will keep a hand-dribbled ball away from a defensive player. Healthy Body Fact: Your pulse rate is the number of times your heart beats each minute. When you exercise, your pulse rate goes up because your heart is beating faster to pump blood and oxygen to your muscles. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Object Control Skills Skills: Eye-hand

Performance Indicator PE 10.1: Student will move/manipulate a ball.

16: Student will throw and catch an object with a partner while both partners are

Healthy Body Fact: Warming up with light activity like jogging and stretching, is

14 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Object Control Skills Skills: Eye-hand coordination, throwing, and catching Level 1 Level 2 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 10.1: Student will move/manipulate a ball. Physical Education Standard 4.16: Student will throw and catch an object with a partner while both partners are moving. Healthy Body Fact: Warming up with light activity like jogging and stretching, is important before vigorous exercise to help prevent injury. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Baseball Skills: Eye-hand coordination, throwing, and catching Level 1 Level 2/3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 10.4: Student will throw and catch a ball.

15 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Baseball Skills: Eye-hand coordination, throwing, and catching Level 1 Level 2/3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 10.4: Student will throw and catch a ball. Physical Education Standard 4.16: Student will throw and catch an object with a partner while both partners are moving. Healthy Body Fact: Cooling down after vigorous exercise with walking and stretching helps to prevent muscle soreness the next day. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Baseball Batting Skills: Eye-hand coordination and

3: Student will make contact with the ball using an object. Physical Education Standard 4.1.

Healthy Body Fact: Children between the ages of 6-12 typically require 9-10 hours of sleep each

Lack of sleep can cause inattentiveness, inconsistent performance, and general irritability.

16 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Baseball Batting Skills: Eye-hand coordination and striking Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 11.3: Student will make contact with the ball using an object. Physical Education Standard : Student will strike a gently tossed ball with a bat, using a side orientation. Healthy Body Fact: Children between the ages of 6-12 typically require 9-10 hours of sleep each night. The amount of sleep needed can vary between children. Lack of sleep can cause inattentiveness, inconsistent performance, and general irritability. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Balance Ball or Stability Pad Skills:

1: Students will perform simple balance stunts with a partner while sharing a

Healthy Body Fact: Improved balance helps you maintain body control while

17 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Balance Ball or Stability Pad Skills: Balance and core strengthening Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 4.2: Student will maintain upright position Physical Education Standard 4.1.1: Students will perform simple balance stunts with a partner while sharing a common base of support. Healthy Body Fact: Improved balance helps you maintain body control while stationary or moving. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Balance Busters Skills: Balance and core strengthening Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

5: Student will maintain balance while in motion. Physical Education Standard 4.1.

Healthy Body Fact: Improved balance helps you maintain body control while stationary or moving.

18 Building Better Bodies Adapted Version Balance Busters Skills: Balance and core strengthening Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Functional Performance Indicator PE 4.2: Student will maintain upright position 4.5: Student will maintain balance while in motion. Physical Education Standard 4.1.1: Students will perform simple balance stunts with a partner while sharing a common base of support. Healthy Body Fact: Improved balance helps you maintain body control while stationary or moving. Yoga can improve balance, flexibility, and core strength. Funded by: Building Better Bodies created by Sharon Hillidge, Resource Teacher Adaptations made by Tammie Sheldon, Adapted Physical Education Specialist Chula Vista Elementary School District

19 Upper Body Strength & Stretch Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Stretch bands or toners Level 1: With full assistance, have student move through a variety of exercises using the stretch bands (see Level 3). Level 2: Assist student as needed through a variety of exercises with the stretch bands (see Level 3). Level 3: Perform a variety of exercises using the stretch bands. Chest Pull - Hold the stretch band at chest level and pull out as far as possible. Hold for 5 seconds and release SLOWLY back to middle. Scapula Pull - Hold the stretch band across the scapulas (shoulders blades), and pull out as far as possible. Hold for 5 seconds and release. Biceps Curl - Step on the handle of the stretch band and hold the handle with palms facing up. With elbows touching stomach, pull the band from the thighs to the chest slowly and return. The Shoulder Stretch Test is used on the Fitnessgram as a measure of flexibility. To perform a shoulder stretch, extend arm straight up in the air. Then bend elbow to drop hand over the shoulder toward the middle of the back. Reach the left hand behind the back to touch the fingers of the right hand. Perform on both sides.

20 Curl-Ups Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Exercise ball, stability pad, and/or mat Level 1: Sitting on a ball with arms crossed on chest, curl up using the abdominal (stomach) muscles. Level 2: While lying on your back, place ball between legs. Squeeze and lift keeping your back flat on the floor. Level 3: While lying on your back on a mat, cross arms over chest and curl up using the abdominal muscles. The Curl-up Test on the Fitnessgram measures abdominal strength and endurance. It is performed by laying on the back with arms at the sides. A 4 strip is placed at the fingertips. Students curl up and down to a recorded cadence, touching finger tips to the far side of the strip.

21 Push-Ups Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Wedge, exercise ball, and/or mat Level 1: Students can perform many fine motor or academic activities while in the prone position. This helps to strengthen the upper body and back. Students should be encouraged to hold their head up. Level 2: Moving the mid-section off of the stabilizing wedge or ball allows for weight to be supported by the arms. The up part of the push-up (often called the plank position), can be held for increased amounts of time. Modified push-ups can be attempted from a ball or from bent knees. Lower the body to a position where the elbows are at a 90-degree angle and return to starting position. Keep your body straight! Level 3: The Push-up Test used on the Fitnessgram measures upper body strength and endurance. It requires students to do a full push-up. The body is lowered to a position where the elbows are at a 90- degree angle, and up again to a recorded cadence.

22 Continuous Movement Activity and Challenges Equipment: Gait trainers, hand cycles, cones, and open space with even terrain Level 1: Using gait trainer, hand cycles, or tricycles, students can travel to cones or around obstacles to encourage continuous movement. Level 2: As endurance improves, students can walk, wheel, or use hand cycles around the outside track for increasing number of laps. Level 3: Students can walk, wheel, or run laps on a track. Teachers can keep track of mileage to help encourage continuous movement. The PACER Test (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) is used on the Fitnessgram to measure cardiovascular endurance. Cones are set 20 meters (21 yards 32 inches) apart and students run the length to a recorded cadence. The cadence gets faster as the tape progresses. Many students in Special Day Classes are able to perform this relatively simple test, which may allow opportunities for inclusion with students in general physical education classes.

23 Jump Rope Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Short jump ropes, long jump ropes, or Chinese Jump Ropes Level 1: Using a long jump rope or painted line on the playground, jump over the line side-to-side, and forward and backward. Chinese Jump Ropes are fun and allow children to be successful if they are not able to time a swinging rope. Level 2: Jump a long rope swinging back and forth or turned overhead by adults. It often helps to have the student start jumping in rhythm first, and then try to catch their jump when turning the rope. Level 3: Jumping a self-turned short rope is a challenging skill. When swinging the rope over the head in a forward jump, many children cross their arms in front of their body, causing the rope to close, which prevents a successful jump. It is helpful to allow children to swing the rope backward over their head first, to help gain rhythm and the ability to manipulate the rope in their hands.

24 Jump to it Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Low stair or curb, mini trampoline, or Hippity Hop balls Level 1: With assistance as needed, and always with proper supervision, students can jump on a mini trampoline to improve vertical jump, the rhythm needed for jumping rope, and lower body strengthening. Jumping off low stairs or curbs can help children learn to jump. If giving assistance, do not pull student up with hands, but help facilitate the knee bend and push off from ground by holding them at the hips. Level 2: Hippity Hop balls can also be used to improve vertical jumping ability. Level 3: BLAST OFF! Count down from and have children jump as high as they can. Bend knees to 90 degrees with arms extended behind the body. Forcefully bring arms up to full extension over the head to assist with vertical lift-off.

25 Jump Over it Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Adjustable hurdles, cones, or Jump the Creek mat Level 1: Use painted lines on the playground or Jump the Creek mat to increase horizontal jump distance. Bend knees to 90-degree angle with arms extended behind body. Jump extending arms forcefully over head to propel body forward, landing with both feet at the same time with knees bent to absorb the force. Level 2: Jump over low hurdles from a standing position. Leap (landing on one foot) over low hurdles while running, touch a cone placed a few feet from the last hurdle, and return to the end of the line. Level 3: Jump over medium hurdles from a standing position. Leap (landing on one foot) over medium hurdles while running, touch a cone placed a few feet from the last hurdle, and return to the end of the line.

26 Fast Feet Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Agility ladder, cones Level 1: Using horizontal or agility ladder, step into square without touching rungs. Walk as fast as possible. Try jumping in squares, running to touch a cone set a few feet from the end of the ladder, and return to the end of the line. Level 2: Run forward without touching ladder rungs. Try one foot in square, one foot to the side. Touch cone and return to the end of the line. Level 3: Walk sideways without touching the ladder rungs. Try walking backward. Run forward lifting knees as high as possible.

27 Back Saver Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Exercise ball, mat, sit and reach testing equipment Level 1: With assistance as needed, student can lay in prone position (face down) on an exercise ball, and reach forward to do a Superman stretch. Hold this position for increasing amounts of time. Level 2: Laying prone on the mat or floor, do a Superman stretch or tuck arms to sides and lift the chest off the ground no more than 12 inches. The Trunk Lift Test on the Fitnessgram measures trunk extension strength and endurance. Students are required to lift their chest off the ground to a maximum height of 12 inches with arms at sides. Level 3: The Back-Saver-Sit-and-Reach Test on the Fitnessgram measures hamstring flexibility, which helps promote proper sitting posture. Students sit on the ground with one leg straight, with the sole of the foot against the box. The other knee is bent with foot placed next to the straight leg. With both hands together, palms down, students reach as far forward as possible. Both sides are tested.

28 Sit, Reach, and Bend Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Possible equipment can include bean bag chairs, wedges, and mats Level 1: Improving range of motion, assisted or unassisted, helps muscles to relax. Contact child s therapist for specific exercises and always proceed slowly and with caution. Level 2: Slowly and gently do a variety of stretches: arm circles, side bends, and toe touches. Level 3: Gradually add more complicated stretches like the hamstring stretch. Sit with one leg bent with the sole of the shoe against the inner side of the knee. Lean forward toward the extended leg/foot. Perform on both sides. Try exercises with partners by putting feet together and gently pulling on hands.

29 Lower Body Strength and Stretch Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Standers, stability pads, or Bossu Ball (large ball flat on one side) Level 1: With approval of therapist, increase number of opportunities and amount of time spent in upright stander or gait trainer. Weight bearing and vertical nonweight-bearing activities help improve circulation, bone density, and social interaction. Level 2: On the ground, using a Bossu Ball or stability pad, perform lunges by positioning one foot on stability pad with opposite foot behind. Drop back knee close to the ground and lift it back up. Level 3: On the ground, or using stability pad, perform squats by bending both knees to 90 degrees while keeping body upright. Return to starting position.

30 Soccer Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Oversized and or soft balls, soccer balls, playground balls, cones, or portable goals. Level 1: Students in wheelchairs or trainers can move or kick an oversized ball toward a goal or cones. Students learning to kick can be physically supported while balancing on one foot, allowing dominant foot to strike the ball. Level 2: Standing or sitting about 6 feet apart, students can pass and trap (stop) the ball. Passing should be done standing to the side of the ball using the instep of the foot for kicking. Level 3: Dribble (kick ball softly while running) around cones with control, and practice shooting between cones or into portable goals.

31 Basketball Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Basketballs, oversized balls, playground balls, cones, modified basketball hoops Level 1: Students in wheelchairs typically dribble on the dominant side of their chair (right handed students dribble on right side), unless they are driving a motorized chair with their dominant hand. Students learning to dribble a ball can have an adult do hand-over-hand dribbling support. Placing a target on the ground or having the student attempt to keep the ball in a painted shape on the playground, helps them to focus. Level 2: Children learning to pass and catch can be physically assisted by standing behind them and having adult use hand-over-hand. Bounce pass and perform a chest pass while increasing distance. Level 3: Dribble with control while walking or running before shooting a basket. Perform bounce passes or chest passes to a partner while traveling down the basketball court.

32 Object Control Skills Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Scarves, balloons, yarn balls, Koosh balls, ramps, Velcro vest with Velcro bean bags, rebound net Level 1: Helping children learn to track the ball with their eyes can be attempted using a variety of equipment: scarves, balloons, yarn balls, bean bags, or even their favorite stuffed animal. Bouncing objects on a parachute also helps. Level 2: Roll balls down ramps, knock over bowling pins, use a Velcro vest to assist in developing tracking skills and eye-hand coordination. Level 3: Use a rebound net to bounce and catch the ball to self. Use a variety of balls: Koosh balls, Nerf, playground balls, or stuffed animals. Rebound nets are a great step toward learning to catch independently.

33 Baseball Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Velcro mitts/balls, baseball gloves, soft balls, Koosh balls, or bean bags Level 1: Velcro mitts and balls allow for success at catching with one hand and provide the feeling of playing baseball. Make sure that the student has the glove on the nondominant hand (glove or mitt on the left hand for a righthanded student). Level 2: Toss a bean bag, Koosh ball, or softball underhand to a partner. Take a forward step with the opposite foot from the throwing hand (right hand throws while left foot steps). Level 3: Use an overhand throw to toss a bean bag, Koosh ball, or softball to a partner. Increase the distance between partners. Always make sure your partner is ready before throwing.

34 Baseball Batting Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Large and small balls, large and small plastic safety bats, batting tee Level 1: Use a large ball on a tee and a safety bat. Dominant hand is on top for proper grip and feet are parallel to the batting tee. Physical assistance can be given by standing behind the student and helping them swing. Make sure that nobody is in the path of a bat in case a student releases it. Level 2: The bat and ball size can be decreased as student progresses. As student swings, encourage hip and shoulder rotation, with followthrough at the finish. Always remind them to hold onto the bat. Level 3: A large ball can be pitched slowly underhand to the batter. A smaller ball can be used as skill progresses. The speed of the pitch and distance from the batter can also be increased as skill progresses.

35 Balance Ball or Stability Pad Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Exercise ball or stability pad Level 1: With feet on floor in a tripod position to the ball, balance independently or with assistance at the hips. Pressing the hips of the student into the ball can help facilitate proprioceptive feedback to the muscles. Sitting on a ball promotes balance and trunk stability. Level 2: Balance on a stability pad first with assistance, then without for increasing amounts of time. The amount the stability pad is inflated changes the difficulty level. Never jump onto a stability pad. Level 3: Once balance on a stability pad is established, attempt squats or standing on one foot. Try activities like tossing and catching scarves, bean bags, or soft balls to self or a partner. As balance improves, stunts with partners can be attempted from the same base of support.

36 Balance Busters Activity Ideas and Challenges Equipment: Painted lines on playground, balance beam Level 1: Stand on one foot for increasing amounts of time (static balance). Begin with arms out, then with hands on hips. When balance is established, try yoga poses that require arms to be overhead. Balance on both sides. Level 2: Balance and walk on a painted line on the playground. Try walking backward on the line. Walk forward using a heel-to-toe pattern, and backward using a toe-to-heel pattern. Chalk, tape, yarn, or rope can be used to make zigzag patterns to walk on. Level 3: Stand on the balance beam independently. Walk with one foot on the beam and one foot on the floor. Try walking the length of the balance beam assisted/unassisted, sideways, forward/backward, and using a heel-to-toe pattern. A sand box curb can be used if a balance beam is not available.

Plyometrics. Ankle Bounces. Bounding. Butt Kuck

Plyometrics. Ankle Bounces. Bounding. Butt Kuck Plyometrics Plyometric exercises are good for power, speed and strength. These exercises are not easy so you need to be in good shape before doing them. Check with your coach and/or trainer before adding