Week 4 - 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 4 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
Rolling
Shot placement
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.
Modified 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
Speed throw
How can players orientate themselves to the target (wall/line)?
What technique helps you to get the greatest speed on your roll?
Goalball
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.
