Skill: Courage
Drill: Ninja in the Middle
Equipment needed: One small pad and stopwatch per group
Instructors needed: 1 per Line
Description: The student will practice having courage by getting their pad (backpack) back from two “bullies.”
Teaching SKILLZ:
Teaching SKILLZ: HEALTHY COMPETITION – If the student is able to get the pad, then the instructor will give that student a point. The instructor can see which student can have the most points at the end of the drill, and they can be the champion of “Ninja in the Middle” until they play the game again.
Brain SKILLZ:
Brain SKILLZ: SPEED OF PROCESSING – The student must be able to see where the pad is, and quickly run towards it or towards where it will be and try to get the pad. This works on their ability to make quick decisions and to complete a task quickly and accurately, as they have to get the pad as quick as they can before the time runs out, or they will be stuck in the middle. They also have to choose a strategy, and try to run where the pad is going instead of where it is, to make it easier to win.
Step 1
Split the class into groups of three.
Step 2 – Setting Up the Drill:
Have one group stand in the middle of a ring with two students on opposite ends of the ring and one student in the middle. Give one of the end students a small pad.
Step 3 – Explain the Rules:
  • When I say “go” you have thirty seconds to get your pad back from the bullies.
  • You can grab the pad and tackle the bullies, but you must show good control.
  • You cannot hit the bullies.
  • If you get the pad back in less than 30 seconds then the bullies have to do 10 push-ups.
Step 4 – Takeaways:
  • Learn the courgae to get the backpack back from bullies
  • Work on strategy to get the backpack back
Step 5
  • Continue until each student has at least one turn.
 
How To Video