BC3 Boccia Ramp: Direct Without Touching or Looking

Cool-down using boccia's BC3 class mechanics: the athlete gives instructions to an assistant who positions the ramp with their back to the court and may not look. Heart rates drop while students practice highly precise communication.

How to play

1. Intro: in BC3 the ramp assistant faces away from play and acts only on the athlete's instructions; the athlete makes every decision (1 min).
2. Trios: athlete seated facing the court, assistant facing away with the ramp, and a referee; the jack is already placed (1 min).
3. Each athlete throws three balls by calling direction, height and release; the assistant can't look or suggest (6 min).
4. Trio debrief: which instruction helped most and which caused mistakes (2 min).

Rules

• The assistant never turns toward the court.
• Only the athlete decides; the assistant gives no opinions.
• The ramp moves slowly and rests on the floor.
• Quiet voices: three courts play at once.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user with limited arm movement: is the ideal athlete for this role; it's their real event.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing student: gives instructions with cards (left, right, more, release).
• Student with a back injury: referees from a chair.

Learning goals

• Communicate with short, precise instructions.
• Respect the athlete's decision-making autonomy.
• Know boccia's BC3 class.

Equipment for a class of 25

• boccia sets: 3
• gutters: 6
• masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

A 1 m PVC gutter or a cardboard fabric-roll tube makes a ramp; ask a hardware store or the tech department. The assistant's usual mistake is turning around to "help": remind them that's a fault.

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