Slow-Motion Mime Game
Two teams play a soccer or basketball game with an imaginary ball, all in slow motion like a TV replay, while a student announcer calls the play. Students practice body control, expression and coordinating with teammates.
How to play
- Slow-motion warm-up: everyone walks, jumps and throws an imaginary ball, taking five seconds for each movement (3 min).
- Form 4 teams of 6; two play and two watch, with one student announcer calling the action (1 min).
- The two teams play a 3-minute mime game: the imaginary ball must move believably and everyone tracks it (6 min with teams switching).
- The announcer calls special moments: the goal, the big save, the fall in the box or the celebration (4 min).
- Each team prepares a 30-second play with a start and an end and performs it for the others (5 min).
- Discuss which plays looked real and why (1 min).
Rules
- Never touch a player on the other team: all contact is pretend.
- Stay in slow motion the whole time, even for the goal.
- Falls go knees first, then sit down slowly.
Variations
Easier
Play with a real ball, passing it in slow motion.
Standard
Play with an imaginary ball and an announcer.
Harder
The announcer can call 'rewind' and everyone replays the action backward.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be goalie or announcer, setting the pace of the play.
- Hearing impairment: the announcer uses signs with key words like 'goal' or 'rewind'.
- Shyness: the student starts in the audience or as the announcer's helper.
Learning goals
- Control the speed of movement through a complete action.
- Show sports actions believably with the body.
- Coordinate with teammates by tracking an imaginary ball.
Teacher tip
The challenge is getting everyone to follow the same ball: have them watch the player who has it. If the game speeds up, the announcer calls 'pause'.
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