Kickball Communication Trail

Focus: Involves throwing a kickball, coordinated movement, and emphasizes communication, sensory regulation, and focus

🔶 Overview

• Goal: Improve motor skills, focus, and expressive communication while engaging in a sensory-friendly physical task.

• Setting: Open grassy area in a park with visual boundaries (e.g., anything available!)

Duration: 30–45 minutes (adjustable)

🔁 Activity Description

Objective: The participant moves side-to-side (laterally) between two markers and throws a kickball to the coach each time, while also practicing a simple communication or focus task.

🗺️ Setup:

• Markers: Place 3 items in a row, about 5–6 feet apart (Left, Center, Right).

• Coach: Stands about 6–8 feet in front of the center cone with a ball.

• Ball: A soft kickball or lightweight therapy ball

🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start at the Left

• Coach gently tosses the ball to the participant.

• Participant catches the ball and says (e.g., “My favorite food is?” or “My favorite hobby is?”) then throws the ball back to the coach.

• Coach gives praise!

2. Move to Right

• Participant side-steps (or walks) to the right.

• Repeat: catch, respond to a prompt, throw.

3. Continue a total of 10 rounds, alternating between left and right.

🔄 Focus & Communication Prompts (examples)

You can rotate or ask get-to-know-you questions. You may have to assist using the “Word by Word” method.