This game will be played in partners and the two will play against each other.
Apple of My Eye is designed in a flower formation with a large pylon in the middle and 6 smaller pylons around it.
The object of this game is for the participants to throw a ball and knock down the labelled letters from A-B-C and then knock down the numbers 1-2-3 in proper sequence.
Players can ONLY stand on one foot when they throw the ball. This is their "tree trunk"
Once successful the participants will then hit the larger pylon in the middle which will be labelled the Apple.
Once the participant hits the Apple (middle pylon) they will become Apple of My Eye.
Make the distance from the objects equal and only use underhand throws
This game could be modified by timing the children, seeing who could knock them down the fastest and as well it is appropriate for children with special needs.
Spelling - Use a number of letters and participants try to spell out words by hitting the targets in sequence.
Math - Give the participants a number and they have to hit the numbers on the pylons to add up to that number in as few as tries as possible. For example, if the number is 7, can they hit the 3, 3, and 1 pylon to total 7.
What are effective ways to try and avoid obstacles when aiming for a target?
Use an angle of approach that has a clear pathway to the target
Can try to add a spin to the ball so that it curves around an object.
Increase or decrease the size of the balls (note: smaller balls are easier to manipulate).
Increase the target size. Can use hoola hoops as the targets and place letters and numbers inside the hoola hoops. Participants can aim the balls into the hoola hoops, which are labeled a-b-c and numbered 1-2-3. Once successful, participants will then throw the ball into the hoola hoop labeled "apple".
Can increase or decrease the distance further away from the objects.
Use two-hands to throw the balls.
Use different type of skills (e.g., send away with an implement such as a golf club or hockey stick, strike with hand)
LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY
Easy
Participant Grouping
Partners
Equipment
Pylons: 6 medium Pylons: 2 large Balls (e.g. beach, foam, paper, wiffle gator): 2 medium
Playing Area
Gymnasium
Safety
Make sure that no children stand behind the area that a child is throwing towards.
Life Skills Development
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
How did you and your partner work together?
Would the game have been more difficult if you did not have a partner?
Where else can you identify things are easier when we work together? (In sport? In school? At home?)
FUNdamental Skills
Stability Skills
Stork Stand
Preparation Phase: Bring non-support foot to lie flat against the inside thigh of the support foot, hands on hips, and look straight ahead.
Execution Phase: When throwing the ball, keep belly button directly over the foot on the ground to maintain balance and do not place non-support foot on the ground.
Follow-Through Phase: After releasing the ball, return to original stork stand position without non-support foot touching the ground.
