Adapted Sports: Boccia and Goalball Intro
An introduction to adapted sports through two Paralympic sports, boccia and goalball, played in stations. Students experience the conditions of these sports, work on accuracy and orienting by sound, and reflect on inclusion.
How to play
- Intro (4 min): briefly explain each sport and who plays it; in boccia you get balls close to the white jack, and in goalball you score by rolling a ball with bells inside.
- Setup (1 min): two groups; one starts at boccia and the other at goalball, switching halfway.
- Boccia (10 min): teams of 3, seated; the jack is thrown and each team, with 6 balls in total, tries to land them as close as possible; one point for each ball closer than the opponent's best.
- Goalball (10 min): teams of 3 wearing blindfolds on a 9x6 m court with cone goals across the width; roll the ball and the other team blocks lying on their side, in complete silence.
- Rotation: after 10 minutes, groups switch stations.
- Reflection (5 min): in a circle, each student shares what was hardest and what they would change at school to support inclusion.
Rules
- In goalball, total silence while the ball is in play so players can hear it.
- In goalball, blindfolds stay on at all times and are only touched with the referee's OK.
- In goalball, block lying on your side with your arms protecting your face.
- In boccia, throw in turns and no one enters the court while someone is throwing.
Variations
Easier
One station (boccia) for the whole class.
Standard
Two stations with rotation.
Harder
Boccia and goalball mini-tournament with set teams and standings.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: full participation; boccia is played seated and ramps can be used.
- Visual impairment: full participation in goalball, and in boccia with verbal cues from a partner.
- Anxiety about blindfolds: play with eyes closed or referee until comfortable.
Learning goals
- Learn the basic rules of boccia and goalball.
- Develop accuracy and spatial orientation by sound.
- Promote empathy and inclusive attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Equipment for a class of 25
- boccia ball sets: 2
- blindfolds: 6
- goalball: 1
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
If you don't have a goalball, put bells in a bag inside a rubber ball or use a ball with a bell. Really stress silence: without it, goalball doesn't work.
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