BalanceBuster
There are multiple ways to utilize a BalanceBuster set. Below are just a few gameplay variations to help you get the most out of your BalanceBuster set!
Balance n' Bust
In this version of BalanceBuster, students can be divided into 2 or 4 teams. Players are asked to carefully balance a ball onto their paddle and carefully transfer it to the team's goal without using the assistance of their hands or body. Elements of the game that can be customized for each class includes :
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Playing Area/Goal Set-Up
1. Playing area divided into two halves. 2 red goals on one side, 2 blue goals on other side (2 Teams)
2. Playing area can be divided into 4 quadrants. Reds goals diagonal to each other, blue goals diagonal to each other (2 or 4 Teams)
Obtaining A Ball
1. Players must move to central area (center circle, half court line, hula-hoops, baskets) and may A.) Pick up a ball with hand and place on paddle B.) Scoop ball using only paddle (No Hands) C.) Communicate and use a teammate to help get ball on paddle (Team Building Challenge).
2. Players are free to move anywhere in playing area to obtain a ball.
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Dropped Ball
1. Players re-obtain ball from spot of drop and continue to goal
2. Players must return ball to central area and attempt to re-obtain ball
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Throwing
1. Any player can throw any ball at opponent's goal
2. Specified players can only throw at opponent's goal in a round (ex. 2 throwers per team).
3. Thrower can only throw specified ball (Red, Green, Blue). Recommendation - Use 4-6 Gatorskin, foam-filled type balls used only for throwing in game.
4. Throwers must stay in their team's playing area when attempting a throw.
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Guarding (Optional)
1.Designated guarders for each goal per round
2. Any player can guard team goal
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Scoring
1. Each colored ball represents determined point amount. Team with highest numbers of points (balls balanced on goals) at end of round or first team to determined point # wins.
2. All balls have same value. Team with most balance balls at end of round or first team to determined # wins.
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Head to Head
In this version of BalanceBuster, students will be grouped in small lines and compete head to head with another. Game begins with two lines side by side sharing one goal. One line of students (balancing) will take turns balancing a ball to a goal. The second line of students (throwing) will attempt to throw towards the goal, knocking off any ball that has been successfully balanced by the players in the balancing line. Any balls left on the goal when round ends results in points. Lines then switch roles and new balancing team will attempt to score as many points as possible.
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Playing Area/Goal Set-Up
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Two lines of students will stand side by side, with the goal several feet away in front of both lines.
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Balancing Team
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The balancing team will take turns scooping up a ball and balancing it to goal. Once the ball is balanced or drops to floor, player returns to line and next player takes their turn. Sequence continues until round ends.
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Throwing Team
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The throwing team will take turns throwing at the opposing team's goal as balls are successfully balanced. The throwing team's objective is to keep the balls off the goal and empty by the end of the round.
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Scoring
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Point values can be assigned to each colored ball or totals number of balls balanced counted as points.
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Balance relays
In this version of BalanceBuster, players on a relay team will be spread out in a straight line and race to balance balls onto the team's goal. Using a paddle, players will work together to pass down the line, with the final player attempting to balance the ball onto the team's goal. Game ends when a team reaches winning # of balanced balls or time expires.
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Playing Area/Goal Set-Up
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Each participating team will have a starting point where the balls will be located. Players then evenly spread out to form a straight line that reaches from starting point to the team goal. Dots, tape, or floor lines may be used to determined where each player stands to form the line.
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Game-Play
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At the start of the relay, the closest player works to obtain a ball before balancing and transferring to next person in the line. Pattern continues until ball reaches last player who will attempt to balance ball onto goal. Once the ball is balanced or falls, last player in line rotates to front of line and all players move up.
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Basic balance training
Recommended for kindergarten, first, and second grade levels - In this version of Balancebuster, students are asked to locate a ball in the playing area and problem solve how to obtain the ball onto his/her paddle while following the challenges or guidelines established by the teacher (See ideas below). Once a student has successfully obtained a ball onto their paddle, he/she will attempt to balance the ball to nearest goal. Once there, the student can either A.) Attempt to transfer ball from paddle to goal and successfully balance B.) Pour the ball into the circle of the goal. Points can be awarded for either successful action and students can keep track of their own individual points during practice.
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- Students may use anything to help balance ball onto the paddle
- Students may not use anything to help balance ball onto the paddle (scoop)
- Students must communicate and work with a classmate to balance ball onto the paddle (partner scoop)
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