Getting Crazy!!!

10 Feb 2016 by elizabeth reiss in categories Little Bit Right, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , | Be the first to comment here.

Reaction Crazy BallGetting CRAZY!!!!

As a mother, father, coach, private sports coach, teacher or family member, we are often looking for fun activities to do with our kids  that takes up relatively little space, is not only entertaining  and fun but can also sneak in something beneficial, educational and/or improves something they need to work on.

For those of us with kids that like (and NEED) to move, are gifted athletically/striving toward athletic prowess, there is a little secret toy that many coaches and experts often pull out of their secret skill arsenal.

Enter, the Crazy Ball This ball has been around for decades and has helped turn lazy kids into active ones, quiet times into giggling and laughing times, random afternoons into crazy competitions, and, mediocre athletes with little ability to react and little coordination into movement and agility machines.

With its 6 sides it can bounce, leap, and pop in a million different directions and its your job to catch the ball on a given number of bounces. For example, “Hey, Charlie, let it bounce twice then catch it… Now, three times and then catch it..” Continually try to build up and catch on the given number of bounces and create competitions with your kids or among your kids friends.

So, the next time you need an easy activity (also great to pack on vacation as it is small and compact and fun for adults too (I promise its a workout if you play with your kids and the laughter and bonding is contagious) bring along the crazy ball.

Directions and benefits below!

Benefits:

  1. Helps improve reaction time (great for tennis, baseball, soccer and squash, ice hockey)
  2. Supports hand-eye coordination and development (great for football, tennis, baseball, soccer, squash, lacrosse,
  3. Increases overall agility and footwork (obvious, no?)
  4. Improves concentration (focussing on the ball and on improvement in situations where there is no predicability of what will happen!

Directions:

  1. As many players can participate
  2. Each round a different player can be the leader
  3. Decide on the number of bounces (each person can get a chance, or you can all go for the same ball or challenge each other and see how far up you can go as a team)
  4. Get in “ready position” which is usually very similar throughout sports
  5. Focus your eyes on the ball and/or eyes of the challenger
  6. The leader drops the ball usually from shoulder height and decide whose turn it is to “go for” the ball

For additional and advanced crazy ball games and products please do not hesitate to reach out!

Did You Win?

23 Jul 2015 by elizabeth reiss in categories Little Bit Right, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , | Be the first to comment here.

Trophy

“Did you win?”

Oftentimes, that is the first question from a parent, caregiver or friend after a match or even a practice scrimmage. Although always with the best of intentions, these words can often cause our athletes to become anxious and sometimes exhibit hostility, anger or perhaps even fear. If it was practice, does winning or losing really matter? If it was a close match that your athlete played the game of  his or her life in, that question can make the loss that much more disgracing and also diminish self confidence and resiliency.

Instead of starting the conversation with a focus on defeat or victory, try to encourage athletes to reflect on the match or practice in a more mindful way. Your guidance will allow them to examine the match or the practice points in addition to creating a trustworthy relationship where they believe you are on their side and allow them to evaluate their performance practically without too many emotions. Questions like, “What did you do well today”  “What was the best part of your game?”  “How did you feel halfway through the match?”  “Do you think maybe you need a jolt of energy halfway through? What about bringing a power bar in your bag?” These contemplative questions allow the players to study their game in a productive way and where they feel in control.  This will create competitors (not only in athletics, but in what they chose to do off the court as well) who are able to be introspective about their game, thoughtful in their growth and improvement and able to overcome minor setbacks and losses.

Constructive communication also creates a partnership between you and the athlete. The athlete is no longer anxious that they are judged solely on the win or loss, but more in the more measurable aspects that they can control. Did I have quick feet? Did I transfer my weight well? Was I coming to the net enough? These more specific questions can aid in helping athletes understand WHY they were successful (or not) in a more precise manner. Hopefully once they have reflected on this, the changes can be made so they’re more successful in the future.