It makes sense: Kids, balls, bouncing, laughter, and fun all go together. And in
Having a Ball: Stability Ball Games, author John Byl shows you how to get kids bouncing, laughing, moving, and having great fun—all as they improve their fitness skills.
Having a Ball features
-73 stability ball games, with variations, that teach balance and coordination;
-a great variety of challenges, races, relays, and team games for all participants;
-a game finder that helps you quickly find the right activity for your group; and
-games that work for youth in fitness centers, schools, park departments—wherever it is you work with kids.
The book is organized into seven chapters based on the nature of the activities and the number of players involved. There are games for partners working together to complete a challenge; for individuals, pairs, or groups to complete tasks as quickly as possible; and relays involving teams of three or four players each. There are also chase games, games for larger groups, and activities that pit two teams against each other.
Each game lists an objective and notes the equipment, number of players, and setup required. Instructions take you sequentially through explaining the game to your players. The games come with variations, and you and your players are encouraged to add to those variations to make the games work best for your particular situation.
Whether you’re using these games in a fitness center, recreation program, or school, they’ll be a hit with kids because the games are a blast—and using nontraditional equipment helps to level the playing field so everyone gets to participate equally.
About the Author
John Byl, PhD, is a professor of education at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, where he teaches the Teaching of Elementary School Health and Physical Education course. The author or coauthor of 10 books on health and games for children, Dr. Byl has been a high school teacher or university professor since 1977 and has recently coauthored a book titled
Christian Paths to Health and Wellness. He has led numerous workshops on games and fitness for children at fitness conferences and in educational settings.
Dr. Byl is the president of CIRA (Canadian Intramural Recreation Association) Ontario, an organization that promotes fun, active participation for all. He has received numerous awards, including a Literary Award from the Christian Society for Kinesiology and Leisure Studies (CSKLS) and a Presidential Award, which recognizes those who have displayed actions compatible with the mission of the CSKLS.
When he’s not busy teaching or writing, he loves playing active games with his grandchildren and keeping active himself by cycling, jogging, and golfing.