Week 3 - Goalball
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 - Week 3 activity card to support teaching before and during the sport session.
Skill development game
Learning intention
To practice identifying the direction of movement of the bell ball whilst blindfolded.
Skill focus
Defending
Rolling
Throwing
Shot placement
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.
Goalball game
Learning intention
To attack and defend effectively as a team through cooperation and teamwork.
Skill focus
Defending
Rolling
Throwing
Shot placement
Goalball
Goalball is a three-a-side indoor court game developed for players who have vision impairments.
Activity set-up
Create tactile markings of the court boundary lines by placing tape over a rope or cord. You will need approximately 80m of rope or cord. See the Goalball - Sport ability card for court dimensions and markings.
Place 2 cones at end corner of the court to mark goals.
How to play
Aim is to score a goal by rolling the ball on the floor in a bowling motion and have the ball completely cross over the opposing team's goal line.
3 features that distinguish goalball from games played by sighted people:
ball contains an internal bell that assists players locate it during play.
the playing area has tactile markings to assist players determine where they are on the court.
players wear eyeshades which makes it possible for everyone to play equally.
Rules
Ball must touch the floor before passing the High Ball Line to ensure it is being rolled, allowing the defending team to hear it.
When fielded, the ball must be thrown again within 10 seconds (remove this time limit for beginners).
Players can take no more than 2 consecutive throws.
The defending team’s first contact with the ball must be in their team area.
Safety
Use elbow, knee and hip pads (if available) on hard surfaces.
Beginners should stay on their feet, or kneel if this is comfortable.
Official goalballs are quite heavy (1.25kg), ensure sufficient space when playing and use lighter balls with beginners.
If mats are used for players to lie on, be careful of awkward deflections of the ball.
If eyeshades are used, ensure they are used by only one player (for hygiene reasons).
Modifying Goalball using TREE
Teaching style
Use a whistle or voice to let the players know what is going on.
For beginners, play without eyeshades initially.
Hearing or mobility impaired players can play without eyeshades and defend a specific area.
Rules
In game instructions above.
Equipment
Alternatives to a goalball could be a bell ball, basketball wrapped in a plastic bag or rice in an inflatable ball.
Goalball can be introduced by playing without eyeshades and using a soccer or basketball (no kicking or bouncing).
Use lighter balls for beginners.
Environment
Ensure sufficient distance between teams.
Reflection
Suggested questions for players
Circleball
How can you defend your ‘goal’ and ensure the ball doesn’t go through your legs?
What cues can you use to identify which direction the ball is moving?
Goal ball
How can you modify your shot to get past your opponents and score a goal?
What do you need to be aware of when taking a shot?
What do you need to be aware of when your opponent is taking a shot?
What position should you have your body in to reduce the chance of your opponent scoring a goal?
How can you work as a team to stop your opponent from getting a goal?
2 stars and a wish
Ask students:
What are 2 things you feel you did well today?
What are you going to try and improve on next week?
Students can answer reflection questions as a whole class, small group or in pairs.
