How Boardball Bumps Up The Fun, Fitness, and Teamwork in PE Classes

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BOARDBALL

Boardball replaces the volleyball net with a portable board, reducing the barriers to play and setup while keeping the core bump-set-spike fundamentals of the game intact. Think Volleyball meets Spikeball. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and movement that challenges players to work together while having a whole lotta fun! Its simplicity allows for easy adaptation to different age groups and skill levels, making it an excellent tool for PE teachers looking to diversify their curriculum.

Here’s how Boardball can be adapted for younger students, why it’s a great fit for PE, and what educators are saying about it.

Adapting Boardball for Younger Students

Volleyball can be a tough game to teach, especially for younger students who often struggle with keeping the ball in the air while contending with a tall net. Boardball offers a solution by removing these barriers and creating a more accessible and dynamic experience. Without the traditional net, rallies last much longer, giving students more opportunities to practice their fundamentals and coordination in a fun and supportive environment. The addition of bouncing the ball off the board slows down gameplay, making it easier for younger players to build confidence and develop their skills.

Here’s how Boardball can be adapted to suit elementary and middle school students:

  • Catch and Throw: Allow beginners to catch and throw the ball instead of bumping it, promoting fundamental movement skills in a way that feels approachable.
  • Simplify Gameplay: Remove some air out of the boardball ball to soften it or use a beach ball to slow down the game, helping younger players focus on hand-eye coordination and control.
  • Team Expansion: Increase team sizes to 3v3 or 4v4 to ensure more gameplay coverage and to actively engage more students, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
  • Bouncing Allowed: Let the ball bounce on the ground between passes, giving students extra time to respond and keep rallies going.
  • These modifications make Boardball an ideal tool for teaching foundational skills while keeping the game inclusive and fun for younger age groups.

Why Boardball Is Perfect for PE Classes

  1. Durability and Quality
    • The Boardball equipment is designed to withstand the rigors of classroom use. The board is crafted from high-quality materials that can handle the wear and tear of daily PE sessions, making it a long-term investment for indoor and outdoor play. While the board is not meant to be sit on/stood on, it can withstand powerful spikes and up to 600lbs of distributed weight!
  2. Versatility in Gameplay
    • One of Boardball’s greatest strengths is its versatility, allowing PE teachers to incorporate it into a wide range of activities beyond traditional matches. These creative adaptations make Boardball an invaluable tool for PE classes, offering endless opportunities for fun and skill-building across various sports and activities.
      • Angled Rebounder Drills: Adjust the board’s angle to act as a rebounder for catching and throwing drills, perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and reaction time.
      • Full-Class Activities: Set up multiple boards to use as stations, ensuring all students are actively participating and working as a team towards their challenge. Each board could focus on a different skill, like passing, spiking, or rallying, allowing students to rotate through and practice a variety of techniques.
      • Multi-Activity Integration: Use other types of balls/equipment to expand the gameplay
        • Bean Bags on the Board: Use the board as a target for aiming and precision skills. Have kids play with bean bags, to land bags on the board for points!
        • Cup stacking activities on the Board: Use the board as a central area for kids to gather around and complete an activity or obstacle such as cup stacking!
        • Pickleball on the Board: Introduce paddles and pickleballs for a unique twist on Boardball, focusing on precision and racket skills.
        • Soccer Ball Target: Encourage footwork and agility by having students use a soccer ball to kick and bounce against the board as a rebounder and targeting drill, adding a new dimension to skill development.
        • And so much more!
  3. Teamwork and Inclusivity
    • Boardball emphasizes collaboration, making it a fantastic tool for fostering social and emotional learning in PE classes. Students practice working together to achieve shared goals, such as keeping the ball in play or strategizing to score points.Breaking the class into smaller groups amplifies these benefits by providing more focused attention, increased gameplay opportunities, and enhanced interaction. With smaller groups:
      • More Gameplay Time: Each student has more chances to actively participate, handle the ball, and be involved in the action, reducing downtime and maximizing engagement.
      • Focused Attention: Teachers can observe and provide feedback more easily, ensuring each student gets the support they need to improve their skills.
      • Enhanced Interaction: Smaller groups encourage closer collaboration, allowing students to connect with peers, build camaraderie, and work together effectively.

Testimonials From our Educators, Coaches, and Olympians!

PE teachers who have incorporated Boardball into their classrooms have seen remarkable results and students have so much fun. Here’s what they have to say:

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