Name
Ping Pong Adventure
This game comes from Seastarz Swim School in Perth, Australia.
Core Skill
Coach's Choice – You can work on any skill you choose based on what you decide to label the balls with.
Who
I think this game will work for any level and group that you choose to take the time and tailor your ping pong ball activities to. If you plan this out in advance and have a range of approved games and skills you want to work on, write them down and separate them out into level-specific piles or areas. For extra fun, lump them all together of all abilities and give them to your swim team!
What
This game features probability. Swimmers will work on whatever skills you choose, but if you put in a 2:1 ratio of games to learning activities, then the majority of the time your swimmers will be doing games.
How
Get a pile of ping pong balls. Get a sharpie, or permanent marker of some kind.
Write one activity or one game name on each ball. Use shorthand or something easily recognizable to identify your chosen thing.
For example, write "3 x SL + 5 FREE + 1 breath + 1 flip," or "True or False 3 questions."
Put your balls with activities written on them in a basket or a hat, or some receptacle and have swimmers pull one out at a time. They do that activity, then return for another pull.
Discard activities into a separate hat or bin, and save them for the next round.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Make sure the activities are clearly written and understandable at a glance. If swimmers can't read the ball, they might pick the wrong activity. Also, keep the ratio of games to skills balanced to maintain engagement. If too many skill-based balls are pulled, the fun factor drops.
Let me know if you've played this game! Leave a comment, or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
And stop bySeastarz Swim Schoolto say, "Thank you!"