Goalball gala day
Equipment
Suitable indoor playing area, a volleyball court is ideal
Goalballs (ball with internal balls) or alternative (bell ball, basketball wrapped in a plastic bag or rice in an inflatable ball.)
Eyeshades or blindfolds
Marking tape and string
Markers or cones
Download the Goalball - Gala day activity card to support teaching before and during the sport session.
Goalball gala day
Organisation
In the week prior to the gala day, organise students into teams.
Students may be given time to create signs to support their team at the gala day.
Select a student from each team to be the team captain for the gala day.
Set-up Goalball games as a circuit for teams to rotate around.
Games for the gala day include:
Circle ball
Speed throw
Team pass
Goalball games
Circleball
An introductory game to learn the skills of listening for the ball and shot placement as a lead up to playing Goalball.
How to play
Players stand in a circle, legs apart, outside of feet touching.
Players score a point by rolling the ball across the circle and through the legs of another player.
The ball must be rolled – no kicking.
Players use their hands to defend their ‘goal’.
Players can play from a seated position.
Wheelchair users can turn their chair ‘side on’ with the wheel facing into the circle representing their goal.
Safety
Ensure players keep the ball on the floor.
Players should be careful not to ‘bump heads’ as they bend forward.
Modifying Circleball using TREE
Teaching style
Always let the players know what is going on (if using eyeshades).
Appoint a referee to determine scores and some ‘fielders’ to return the ball to the circle.
Encourage players to use their listening skills.
Rules
Try a team version of the game with players arranged alternately around the circle. Half the players try to keep the ball in the circle while the others try to force it out (through their own legs does not count).
Introduce a ‘time in possession’ rule, e.g. 3 or 5 seconds after which the ball must be passed.
Equipment
Alternatives to a goalball could be a bell ball, basketball wrapped in a plastic bag or rice in an inflatable ball.
Circle Ball can be introduced by playing without eyeshades and using a soccer or basketball (no kicking or bouncing).
Use different sizes and speed of bell balls.
Environment
Vary the circle size by changing the number of players.
Use a smaller circle as players’ skills improve.
Speed throw
A challenge game to develop different techniques for performing speed rolls.
How to play
Divide into teams of 2 or more players.
Teams line up behind their marker facing a wall or line on the ground (at least 10m distance).
Players at the front of each team throw their ball along the ground towards the wall/line.
The player whose ball hits the wall/crosses the line first scores a point.
After an agreed number of throws (e.g. everyone throws twice) the team with the most points wins.
Safety
No-one to enter the throwing area during play.
Ensure all players are facing the wall or line before they have their shot.
Modifying Speed throw using TREE
Teaching style
Encourage players to think about different ways they can throw the ball:
underarm, one handed (tenpin bowling action).
underarm, front-on stance, both hands holding the ball, legs apart -bowling action, side-on stance, using both hands, throwing ball from left or right side across the body.
Rules
Encourage rolling of the ball by marking another line, or place markers 3m from the throwing line.
Speed Throw can be introduced by playing without eyeshades until the concept of the game is understood.
Equipment
Alternatives to a goalball could be a bell ball, basketball wrapped in a plastic bag or rice in an inflatable ball.
Use orientation lines to mark the throwing line, e.g. string covered with tape that players can feel with their fingers and feet.
Environment
Vary the distance between the players and wall/line.
Place a ‘judge’ near the wall/line to decide on whose ball has won.
Team pass
An introductory game to learn the skills of listening for the ball, team communication and shot placement as a lead up to playing Goalball.
Activity set-up
Create 2 zig zag patterns using the markers as shown in image.
Divide players teams of 4.
Position one player on each marker down the course. Players can sit or stand.
Allocate one ‘fielder’ per team who can assist team mates when the ball travels off course.
How to play
Starting at one end, each player passes the ball to the next player in line until the ball reaches the last player.
The direction of the ball is then reversed, and players continue to pass the ball from teammate to teammate until time is up.
Teams try to achieve as many successful passes as possible within the time limit, e.g. 1-3 minutes.
Safety
No throwing - ball must remain on the floor.
Ensure adequate distance between players to avoid any collisions.
Modifying Team pass using TREE
Teaching style
Encourage players to communicate with each other:
to let the receiver know the ball is coming
to let the passer know the ball has been successfully received
to help the passer be more accurate.
Give clear ‘start’ and ‘finish’ signals.
Rules
If a pass is missed, the ball is returned by the fielder to the passer and play continues.
Team Pass can be introduced by playing without eyeshades until the concept of the game is understood.
Equipment
Alternatives to a goalball could be a bell ball, basketball wrapped in a plastic bag or rice in an inflatable ball.
Use tactile markings instead of cones.
Environment
Provide challenges to the players by:
arranging teams in different formations, e.g. a square or circle -varying the distance between the players.
changing the angle at which the players are positioned in relation to each other.
Goalball awards
Teachers may choose to award students with certificates for their involvement in the Goalball unit.
Certificates available for download include:
Reflection
2 stars and a wish
Ask students - what are 2 things you feel you did well today?
What will you take away from Goalball that you can use for our next sport?
Students can answer reflection questions as a whole class, small group or in pairs.
