80's Video Game Theme

Coming up! I will be posting quite a few games based off of 80's arcade games. Some of these games are relatively simple in concept, others are somewhat involved. But either way, I think these are a lot of fun, and if you are in the business of working with kids, feel free to use these ideas. I will be publishing an article soon in an article bank (not very hard to do lol) about this topic.

A Fun Game - Alley Oop!

This is a fun game that helps build focus, timing, explosiveness, teamwork, and confidence.

All one person has to do is throw a ball into the air, while the other person jumps up and slams it on a target. The next phase up is to do the same thing, except the person will have to jump up, grab the ball, and slam dunk it inside a box or container.

Simplicity. These types of games that are simple in design and construct can be some of the most enjoyable and most efficient skill builders.

I do have a slew of games that have some complexity to them, but I wanted to start out with the simple ones, because these tend to be very easy to explain and implement for any teacher, pretty much right away.

I may be a little slower getting more of these videos uploaded, but rest assured, they will all be uploaded eventually! And of course, I keep coming up with more game ideas, so stay tuned!

New Game - The Paper Race!

Just run with a piece of paper on your chest! It trains speed, focus, and gives a nice goal for the kids. And, you can recycle the paper once you are finished! A variation you could add to it is to have them turn a corner/run laps without losing the paper. I'm all about simplicity in these exercises, although there will be some complex ones coming soon.

So yeah, I just came back from my vacation in Minneapolis. My tradition is to grow a goatee whenever I'm on vacation, so hence, the facial hair (it comes off in a few hours, when I am officially off of vacation).

ANYWAYS, I just started using iMovie 09, from the iLife 09 package. This was my first time using it, and I have to say, I am liking it better than the previous version of iMovie. The only thing I haven't really played with is adding multiple audio tracks and video effects. But it definitely handles better. The direct upload to youtube is an AWESOME feature!

At any rate, I'll be trying to upload a new video of a game every other night or so. So check back here frequently! You can also follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/AustinKungFu

Another Simple Drill - The Foot Pass

This one is really simple in concept, just take the ball with your feet/ankles, and give it with your feet and ankles!

But, it may take a few tries to get the coordination down. After they do, see if they can go faster and faster without dropping the ball.

I don't know how I come up with these, I just do. I mean, I'm sure I'm not the first to think of this, but I'm probably the first to really show it off like this.

For some bizarre reason, this game is making me think of that Toto Song "Africa" and I have no idea why. All I know is that I can't seem to get it out of my head today! lol How's that for a nonsequitor!

ANYWAYS! Try this game out for yourself. It's pretty good for adults, too. In fact, adults can up the ante by using a medicine ball! HAH!

New Game! Catch the Laser!

This one is really simple and fun. Just need 2 people, 1 swimming noodle, both people sitting, and one person throws the swimming noodle like a football at the other person's face. That other person rolls back and catches the noodle with his/her feet.

What's not shown on this video is that after the person has caught it, they can throw it back to their partner, and the partner then has to roll back and catch it with their feet.

Doing it that way will give a decent ab workout and develop some core strength.

From a martial arts perspective, you're also practicing dodging and timing, and developing greater coordination with leg control.

You can even do this in triads, ie, 3 people, and it works pretty well.

Have fun!