Listen for the Bell: Blindfolded Cool-Down
A cool-down after a session of sports for people with visual impairments: the group lies down blindfolded, lowering their heart rate while locating by ear a bell ball that moves slowly. It combines breathing, relaxation and listening focus.
How to play
- Each student lies face up on a mat with a blindfold on and takes slow four-count breaths (2 min).
- The teacher slowly rolls a goalball around the space; without moving, each student points to where they hear it and lowers the arm when the sound stops (2 min).
- Take the carotid pulse for 15 seconds and work out beats per minute, still blindfolded (1 min).
- Guided body-scan relaxation while the bell sound moves farther away (2 min).
- Remove blindfolds, compare the pulse with the start of the cool-down and share what they noticed (1 min).
Rules
- Mats are at least 3 feet apart.
- Nobody stands up with a blindfold on.
- Total silence while the ball is moving so everyone can hear it.
- Anyone uncomfortable with a blindfold can just close their eyes.
Variations
Easier
Do it with eyes closed and the ball always following the same circular path.
Standard
Lying blindfolded, locate the bell ball, then a body-scan relaxation.
Harder
Use two bell balls at once and point only to the one the teacher is carrying.
Adaptations
- Hearing impairment: follows the relaxation through a partner's light touch on the shoulder and tracks a light with the blindfold raised.
- Low back pain: lies with knees bent or feet up on a bench.
- Autism: may choose a spot in a corner and use their own piece of clothing instead of the blindfold.
Learning goals
- Bring heart rate back to resting levels in a mindful way.
- Develop concentration and auditory perception.
- Build empathy with the experience of playing without sight.
Equipment for a class of 25
- yoga mats: 30
- blindfolds: 30
- goalball (ball with bells): 2
Teacher tip
It works best after goalball or blindfolded boccia. Write the group's average heart rate on the board to compare with other sessions.
PatioLab has "Listen for the Bell: Blindfolded Cool-Down" and 5176 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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