Goal Ball

It's not everyday that I wake up with a huge bruise on my knee and realize it's from class the previous night; which was the case last week. In Innovative Activities, we were introduced to a game called "Goal Ball" and things apparently got a little intense (but we won, so it's cool). According to the United Stated Assoication for blind athletes, goal ball is, " a Paralympic sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Developed after WWII as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active, it has become the premiere team game for blind athletes. Played competitively by men and women, it is a very fast paced, physically challenging, strategic and exciting game." Here are some basics of the game. 1. There are two teams, each composed of 3 players. 2. The ball that is used has bells inside of it, so you can hear when it is headed your way. 3. The court that is used is the size of a volleyball court, and each team of 3 stays on their respective side. 4. A player from one team tosses/rolls the ball to the otherside of the court, with the intention of getting it past a designated area which would result in a goal. 5. The opposite team (without talking) listens for the ball to come to their side and strategically places their body on the floor to prevent the ball from passing their goal line. 6. When the opposing team receives the ball, they have 8 seconds to roll it to the other team's side and make a goal. For a more detailed description of the game, you can visit this website: http://www.usaba.org/Pages/sportsinformation/adaptations/goalballadapt.html I had a great time playing goal ball, despite the bruises! It was great to try this innovative sport and because we were blindfolded while we played, we could really get a feel for what it is like for someone who is blind! It was quite challenging and it made me have a greater respect for athletes who have to overcome such obstacles!
Until next time, Katie