Participants sit in a circle and pass a ball while following instructions such as “pass with one hand,” “make a circle before passing.”

This interactive and engaging activity promotes coordination, balance, and teamwork while keeping seniors active. Participants work together to pass a ball around the circle, following a variety of fun challenges that add both physical and mental stimulation.

• Examples of challenges include:
  1. Pass with One Hand: Pass the ball using only one hand, alternating hands each time.
  2. Make a Circle Before Passing: When passing the ball, participants must first pass it in a circle with their arm before giving it to the next person.
  3. Pass with a High Reach: Hold the ball above the head and pass it to the person next to you.
  4. Pass Between Legs: Participants pass the ball under their legs to the next person.
  5. Pass with a Twist: Pass the ball while gently twisting the torso (helps improve flexibility).
  6. Slow Motion Pass: Participants must pass the ball slowly and deliberately to increase focus.
  7. Pass to the Beat: The instructor calls out a rhythm, and participants must pass the ball on each beat.

GOALS:

• Improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
• Enhance social interaction and teamwork.
• Encourage light physical movement and fun competition.

INDICATORS:

• Are participants passing the ball successfully and following instructions? Yes/No
• Are they engaged and enjoying the game? 0-4 scale

MATERIALS:

• A soft, lightweight ball (e.g., beach ball, small rubber ball).
• Timer or bell to signal each challenge.

TIMETABLE:

• 10 mins – Introduction & Warm-up:
  • Explain the rules of the game and demonstrate the different ball-passing challenges.
  • Gentle warm-up (e.g., wrist circles, shoulder shrugs, and light stretching).
• 30-40 mins – Pass the Ball with Challenges:
  • Participants sit in a circle and pass the ball around, following various instructions.
  • Each challenge lasts for 1-2 minutes, and a new challenge is introduced after each round.
• 10 mins – Reflection & Cool Down:
  • Discuss how the game felt, any challenges, and what movements they enjoyed the most.
  • Gentle stretching (focusing on wrists, shoulders, and neck).

Adaptations for Disabilities:

• Visual Impairments: Use larger or brightly colored balls. Provide verbal instructions and guide participants through the ball-passing motions.
• Hearing Impairments: Use visual cues or signals (e.g., a hand raised to indicate the start of a new challenge). Demonstrate each challenge before beginning.
• Mobility Impairments: Adapt the position of the circle so that those with limited mobility can still participate comfortably. Ensure the ball is within easy reach for all participants.
• Cognitive Impairments: Simplify instructions and reduce the number of challenges, giving clear one-step directions. Allow extra time to complete each task.