Appendix D Rhythm Pass Equipment & Instructions

Figure 1

Instructions for DIY Rola Bola Balance Board:

PARTS / TOOLS:

- PVC Pipe, 12" x 6" schedule 40 or stronger

- Wooden Plank, 0.5" x 12" x 30-36" grain should run lengthwise
- Wooden boards, 1" x 0.5" long enough for two stoppers
- Wood screws, 3/4" (10)

Step #1: Get a Pipe. The PVC pipe should be a comfortable height and wider than the deck
(i.e. you should see some of it in from and behind you, protruding from under the
board).
Step #2: Cut the Board. Make sure your deck is 30-36 inches long, and wider than your
footsies.
Step #3: Add the Stoppers. Attach stoppers for safety.

Equipment Needed:

Balance board for each person (See Fig. 1)

Football for each person

Participants (players) create a circle of 8-12 players (how ever many circles are required) with

about 1-2 feet in between the person next to them, all facing inwards. Each player begins with

their own football. Starting position is balancing on the board. Players are informed that this

game requires them to pass their football in one of three directions, but that there are four
Appendix D Rhythm Pass Equipment & Instructions

different passes, completed as follows: pass forward while STANDING, pass left, pass right,

pass forward while SQUATTING. The completion of one cycle is referred to as one repetition.

Then inform them that these are the ONLY rules. Everything else is to be determined by them;

the speed, the timing, the rhythm (get it?!), whether to pass or hand off, whether to keep a flow

or pause between reps, etc. Then inform then that the goal is to complete 10 reps without

anyone falling off the board. This is not a last man standing competition, it is the opposite. All

must remain standing to win the game. This concept is a great teamwork morale booster.

Very quickly players will realize that this task cannot be completed without

communication and teamwork, all while severely focusing on their individual balance. It is very

likely it will take the players multiple attempts to even get the first rep completed. Players will be

required to focus on cues from their respected pass partner. This is hugely beneficial when

translated to social settings or workplaces. This positive social-emotional health component adds

to the depth of the physical activity.

The ideal way to win the game is for players to talk about a pattern and form a rhythm

to their passing, keeping a constant, fluid momentum that requires little to no spoken

communication after the rhythm is formed. This will not only be done by timing, but by paying

attention to the speed, height, intensity that the ball is passed at and predicting anothers next

move. All of this teamwork and skill building occurs while the players core and abdominal

muscles are engaged maintaining balance and arms and legs are worked out throwing, passing

and catching the ball. Low-impact, muscle building workouts promote that do not focus on

weight loss are great ways to promote positive body image.

Appendix D Rhythm Pass Equipment & Instructions

Modifications

Rhythm Pass can be modified to benefit other age groups, skill levels, and even

disabilities. Heres how:

Elementary School Ages: Complexity can be reduced by allowing the initial goal to be getting

students to simply balance on the boards. The vestibular system is still developing its

normalcy, and any additional actions while balancing on a board can be dangerous to this age

group. Psychomotor and cognitive skills can promoted through problem solving and physical

manipulation (New World Encyclopedia, 2016). Fundamental movements will make way for

skills movements and physical abilities can be realized. Dont require any passing, just set a

goal to balance and have fun engaging those muscles.

Middle School Ages: Social skills can be further developed within this age group as well.

Middle school children who scored highest in leadership skills were more physically active (

20 min/day) on a weekly basis. These children were also apt to show high scores in empathy

(Nauert, 2015). Modify this game for this age group by expecting constant communication and

take turns determining a leader that should call the plays.

Disabilities: Players with physical disabilities can have accommodations that allow them to

participate. For example, a teammate in a wheelchair can participate in the passing of the

football and place expectations on themselves, such as, I will always try and pass it high

enough for others to catch it. Players with cognitive disabilities can have accommodations

that allow them to participate as well. For example, a player with down syndrome may not be

able to verbally communicate in the same way as other players. Another cue can be designed
Appendix D Rhythm Pass Equipment & Instructions

that informs others instead of a word, such as a sound or a giggle. With any disability,

providing accommodations that allows a player to participate to their full potential is the goal.