Stress and Aim: The Inverted-U Throwing Lab

An experiment on the inverted-U curve between arousal and performance: students toss beanbags into hoops while calm, moderately aroused, and highly stressed, then compare scores. It builds accuracy, stress management, and self-analysis.

How to play

1. Groups of 4 with 10 beanbags and 3 hoops at 3, 5, and 7 m (1, 2, and 3 points). Rotating roles: thrower, scorekeeper, retriever, and timer (2 min).
2. Calm round: after 1 minute of slow seated breathing, 10 tosses with no time limit (4 min).
3. Moderate round: 30 seconds of jogging and high knees, then 10 tosses in 40 seconds (5 min).
4. Stress round: 30 seconds of short sprints, then 10 tosses in 20 seconds while the group counts down out loud (5 min).
5. Analysis: each thrower compares the three scores and checks if the best came at moderate arousal. Groups suggest strategies for a test or game: breathing, a routine, locking eyes on one spot (4 min).

Rules

• Throw from behind the line, and nobody retrieves until the thrower is done.
• The countdown adds pressure, but no teasing.
• Safety: sprints happen in a lane away from the throwing area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throws seated and activates with fast arm movements.
• Hearing impairment or autism: countdown on fingers or a visible timer, with each round announced ahead.
• Fitness level: activation should raise heart rate, not exhaust.

Learning goals

• Experience how arousal affects a precision task.
• Identify one's optimal arousal zone.
• Apply strategies to regulate arousal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 18
• beanbags: 60
• stopwatches: 6

Teacher tip

Results won't always form a perfect U, so use exceptions to show that everyone has their own zone. Collect beanbags only at the end of each turn.

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