Skill:
Reaction
Drill:
3 Cone Challenge
Equipment needed:
3 cones for each line
Instructors needed:
One for each line
Description:
Students will work on their REACTION by responding to the direction the instructor calls out and touching the top of the cone as quickly as possible.
Teaching SKILLZ:
TRICKERY – The instructor can say one direction, and then point in a different direction. This will work on their auditory and visual processing, as they have to listen to the audio cue without getting distracted by the contradicting visual cue.
Brain SKILLZ:
AUDITORY PROCESSING – The student must listen for the direction that the instructor calls out, and run to the correct cone and touch it as fast as they can. This works on their ability to follow verbal commands quickly and accurately.
Step 1
Divide your students into lines
Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
Three cones will be lined up in front of the students
Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The instructor will call out left, right or middle
  • The students then have to touch the cone that corresponds to what the instructor said
  • If they can touch all of the right cones the instructor will do 3 push-ups
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Listen for what the instructor calls out so you can react quicker
  • Move fast to the cone so you can get their as quickly as possible
  • Focus on the instructor so you nothing else distracts you
  • Step 5
  • Continue until the students have had 2-3 turns
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/wz4nv4u1ox?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Bounce Breaks
    Equipment needed:
    1 dodge ball and 1 board per line.
    Instructors needed:
    1 per line
    Description:
    Students will practice having good reaction by being able to bounce a dodge ball, break the board, and catch the ball before it hits the ground.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    CHOICES – On the second round, the instructor can give them a choice between a palm strike or a front kick. The choice in the activity will empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    SPEED OF PROCESSING – The student must be able to bounce the ball, break the board, and catch the ball without hitting the ground. This works on their ability to complete a task quickly and accurately.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Setup boards and dogeballs for each line
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The first students in each line will come up and get the ball from the instructor.
  • Student will have 3 opportunities to bounce the dodgeball off the ground, break the board, and catch the dodge ball before it hits the ground.
  • For the first-round students will work on palm strike board breaks. On the second round have them do front kick board breaks.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Keep your eyes on the board and ball.
  • Move from your spot to catch the ball!
  • Use power on ever board break!
  • Step 5
  • Continue for 2-3 turns.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/xexkae3pvu?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Capture the Cone
    Equipment needed:
    Wave bag, cone, and slammer pad per group
    Instructors needed:
    Description:
    In this drill, the students will practice building their agility by attempting to knock the cone off the top of the wave bag.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION – If the student is able to get the cone, the instructor will have ten pushups. If the student is not able to get the cone, then the student will have ten pushups.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    SPEED OF PROCESSING – The student must be able to get the cone off of the bag; they must react to their instructor’s movements in order to get the cone. This works on their ability to complete a task quickly and accurately, as they must grab the cone before time runs out by getting through their instructor.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into several groups.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Place a cone on top of the wave bag and give the instructor a slammer pad.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The first student in each group will have 15 seconds to try and knock the cone off the wave bag (with their hands) while the instructor uses the slammer pad to knock the student off balance.
  • Coach the students as they play this drill by telling them to use good footwork including spins and “fakes.”
  • If the student knocks the cone off within the time limit, then the instructor will have to do 5 push-ups.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Speed and hand strikes
  • Step 5
  • Continue until each student has at least two turns. Make sure that your instructors do not “bully” the student with powerful blocks.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/jgvvgqluef?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Check the Kick
    Equipment needed:
    None
    Instructors needed:
    1 Per Line
    Description:
    Students will practice having good reaction by seeing which side the kick is coming from and using the correct leg to check the kick.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION – If the instructor is able to hit the student on the side, then the student has ten pushups.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    VISUAL PROCESSING – The student must be able to see the kick coming, and block on the correct side in the correct place. This works on their ability to make sense of what they see and respond quickly to visual cues.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Instructors will get in a fighting stance and be ready to throw a roundhouse kick with either leg
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The first students in each line will stand up and go to their guarding stance.
  • The instructor will throw a round kick using either leg.
  • Whichever side of the student the instructor is throwing the round kick to, the student will have to lift that side leg up to shield the kick.
  • The instructor will make light contact with the student.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Watch your instructor so you know where the kick is coming from!
  • Don’t be scared of the kick!
  • Bring your knee to your elbow to stay safe!
  • Step 5
  • Continue for 2-3 turns.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/8ujtcjcunj?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Chop Suey
    Equipment needed:
    One blindfold and foam sword per line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per line
    Description:
    The students have to avoid being chopped in the head by th instructors.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    CHOICES – The instructor can let the students choose what speed they would like to go: slow, medium, or fast. The choice in the activity will empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    VISUAL PROCESSING – The student must watch the noodle and see when it comes towards their head, so they are able to dodge it. This works on their ability to respond quickly to visual cues.
    Step 1
    Divide the class into even lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    For each line you will need an instructor to hold a foam sword.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • When I say “go” the instructor will swing the foam sword straight down towards your head.
  • You will have to react and dodge to your left or right while trying to avoid getting hit in the head.
  • If you get hit, then you have to do 5 push-ups.
  • You will try to dodge the sword five times.
  • Continue until each student has at least three turns.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • To work on visual cues and respond to attacks
  • Step 5
  • To make it fun, have the students and instructors switch roles.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/67s7qmpleu?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Flash Combo
    Equipment needed:
    2 Hand Mitts Per Line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    Students will practice REACTION by demonstrating their ability to do a fast hand combo when it is flashed. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to quickly hit multiple targets.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    CHOICES – The instructor can let the students choose what speed they would like to go: slow, medium, or fast. The choice in the activity will empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    VISUAL PROCESSING – The student must be able to spot the targets that the instructor flashes, and hit them with the correct techniques. This works on their ability to make sense of what they see, and respond to visual cues quickly.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Have your students facing the instructor.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The 1st student will face the instructor and when the instructor and when the instructor flashes the pad the student will demo their combo.
  • The combo will be a jab, cross, and hook punch.
  • The students want to quickly hit the pads, if they are not fast enough the instructor will pull the pads back down.
  • If the student misses they owe the instructor 5 push-ups.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Hands up to protect yourself.
  • Keep your eyes open as you’re striking.
  • Hit with as much power as you can.
  • Step 5
  • Continue until each student has 2 turns.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/yhbu67yt9x?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Get Up!
    Equipment needed:
    One slammer pad per group
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    The students will work on their reaction time under pressure by trying to stand up while someone is pinning them on the ground with a slammer pad.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    CHOICES – The instructor can ask the students to pick a partner in ten seconds. This gives them the chance to work with the people they want to work with, which can motivate them to beat their friend even more. The choice in the activity will also empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    SPEED OF PROCESSING – They must react to their partner’s movements in order to stand up. This works on their ability to complete a task quickly and accurately, as they must stand up before time runs out by keeping their partner down and attempting to escape.
    Step 1
    Pair your students up with a partner and have them spread out on the mat.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    For each pair, you will need one person to pin their partner on the ground with a slammer pad.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • When I say “go” you will escape from your attacker and get up to your feet in a guarding stance.
  • Your goal is to get up to your feet as quickly as possible.
  • Continue until each pair has two turns to be pinned.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Work on their ability to escape.
  • Step 5
  • Continue until each pair has two turns to be pinned.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/23gud8f9v2?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Goalie
    Equipment needed:
    4 quick targets for each line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    You must have great reaction time in self-defense. No matter how many defense moves you know, it won’t matter if you cannot react fast. In this drill, you are going to work on your reaction time by blocking targets from hitting the mirror behind you.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION – If the target hits the wall, the instructor can have the student do five pushups. If the student is able to block all the targets, then the instructor will have five pushups.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    VISUAL PROCESSINNG – The student must be able to spot the target in the air when it is thrown, and stop the target from hitting the wall behind them. This works on their ability to respond quickly to visual cues.
    Step 1
    Divide your class into several lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    The first person in line will stand against a wall or against the mirror.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The instructor will toss one small target at the wall and the student must try and block the target before it hits the wall. If the target hits the wall, then the student must do 5 push-ups.
  • Continue the drill until every student has a turn. Speed up the drill by kicking the targets against the wall. This is even more challenging for the students.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Focus on reaction time and speed.
  • Step 5
  • Make sure you are emphasizing the importance of reaction time and how it plays a crucial role in self-defense.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/gmb51eylcb?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Grab the Ball
    Equipment needed:
    One Wavemaster and two dodgeballs for each line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    Students will work on their REACTION by switching from doing round kicks on a target to catching a ball thrown from either side of them. This will test them intellectually because they need to switch what they are doing at a quick speed.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    HEALTHY COMPETITION – The instructor can give the lines silly names, like “Hamburgers vs. Hotdogs” in order to motivate the students to win as a team. The team with the most points at the end of the game will win.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    AUDITORY PROCESSING – The students must listen for the instructor to call out “left” or “right”, grab the correct ball, and pass it to the next person in line. This works on their ability to respond to audio cues and analyze what they hear.
    Step 1
    Pull out a Wavemaster for each line
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Have a dodgeball on the left and right side of the pad with one student by each ball
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The students will start doing round kicks on the pad
  • The instructor will call out left or right
  • Whatever side the instructor calls, the student with the ball will throw it at the kicker
  • The kicker must stop kicking and catch the ball
  • If the kicker can catch the ball five times, the instructor will do five push-ups
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Listen so you know when to stop kicking
  • Turn quick so you can find the ball
  • Keep your eye on the ball so you can track it down without dropping it
  • Step 5
  • Continue until each student has had 2-3 turns
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/nyppgsi87p?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    High Falls
    Equipment needed:
    Two kicking shields per line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    The students will test their reaction by falling from progressively higher positions. This will build courage and timing by learning to fall from different distances.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION – If the student falls with their hands first, or does their backfall incorrectly, then the student will have five pushups.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    RESPONSE INHIBITION – The student will have to hold back their natural reaction to reach behind them as they are falling, and fall the correct way, without using their hands first. This works on their ability to complete a task correctly despite distraction, their distraction being their instinct to throw their hands behind them as they are falling.
    Step 1
    Divide the class into lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Have students prepare to practice falling.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • Start at level one, on the floor and do a back fall.
  • Level two you will be squatting on one kicking shield.
  • Finally level three you will be squatting on 2 kicking shields.
  • Continue until each student has two turns.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • The goal is to have great reaction by not reaching backwards too fast.
  • Step 5
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/8ba8i4u9g2?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Ninja
    Equipment needed:
    None
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    The students will test each other’s reaction skills by trying to tag their partner in one swing at a time.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    CHOICES – The instructor can ask the students to pick a partner in ten seconds. This gives them the chance to work with the people they want to work with, which can motivate them to beat their friend even more. The choice in the activity will also empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    VISUAL PROCESSING – The students must react to their partner’s movements by moving out of the way as quick as they can. This works on their ability to respond to visual cues quickly.
    Step 1
    Pair your students up with a partner.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Have each pair face each other.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • When I say “go” you will try to tag any part of your partner’s arms or legs with one swing, while your partner dodges in one motion.
  • Once you swing, you must freeze in that position, while your partner freezes in the position that they dodged in.
  • Then your partner will try and tag you in one swing as they freeze, and so forth until one of you gets tagged.
  • The person that gets tagged must do ten push-ups.
  • Paste EXPLAIN THE RULES BELOW – Up to 5 Lines ONLY. One Per Line. Ignore the Rest
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Responding to partner movements.
  • Step 5
  • You can make it challenging by having them in groups and the students are eliminated as they get tagged.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/ac1q6jisa0?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Race to the Cone
    Equipment needed:
    2 Cones Per Line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    Students will practice having good REACTION by demonstrating their ability to quickly change directions to follow their opponent trying to beat their opponent to a cone.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    CHOICES – The instructor can ask the students to pick a partner in ten seconds. This gives them the chance to work with the people they want to work with, which can motivate them to beat their friend even more. The choice in the activity will also empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    VISUAL PROCESSING – The student must react to their partner, and run to the cone they chose quicker than their partner in order to win the game. This works on their ability to respond quickly to visual cues.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Have the students sitting with the instructor.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The 1st two people in each line will stand up between 2 cones that are about 8’ on each side.
  • The person in the front will have to commit to a direction trying to run to a cone.
  • The person behind them will respond to the person in front of them and attempt to beat them to the cone.
  • If the person in back gets to the cone before the other they will give their opponent 5 push-ups.
  • Paste EXPLAIN THE RULES BELOW – Up to 5 Lines ONLY. One Per Line. Ignore the Rest
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Be strong and maintain good technique.
  • Be as fast as you can to win the game.
  • Step 5
  • Eyes open so that you stay safe.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/mqpu8x65qb?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Reach for It
    Equipment needed:
    One dodgeball for each line
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    Students will work on their REACTION by turning around and catching a ball that is being thrown around the students. They will have to react quickly and be able to catch a ball that could not have been thrown directly at them.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION – If the ball touches the ground, the instructor can have the student do ten pushups. If the student is able to catch the ball every time, then the instructor can do ten pushups.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    SPEED OF PROCESSING – The student must listen for the instructor to say the words “think fast” and then turn around, spot the ball, and run to catch it before it hits the ground. This works on their ability to complete a task quickly and accurately.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into lines
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    Each instructor will grab one dodgeball for their line
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The students will have their back turned to the instructor
  • When the instructor says “Think Fast!”, the student will turn around and catch a ball that is thrown around them
  • If they catch the ball 5 times in a row, the instructor will do 3 push-ups
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Turn fast so you can spot the ball quicker
  • Have your hands ready so it is easier to catch
  • Step 5
  • Continue until the students have had 2-3 turns
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/v0yxdsd30r?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
    Skill:
    Reaction
    Drill:
    Tennis Ball Catch
    Equipment needed:
    2 yellow bars and 1 tennis ball per line.
    Instructors needed:
    1 per Line
    Description:
    Students will practice having good reaction by being able to drop a tennis ball, then quickly try to catch it in a small space.
    Teaching SKILLZ:
    INTRINSIC MOTIVATION – The instructor can tell the students to remember the number of times they caught the ball, if they did not catch it on the first round it is okay. On the second round, the instructor can motivate the students by seeing who can get a higher number of catches than they did last round.
    Brain SKILLZ:
    SPEED OF PROCESSING – The student must be able to drop the ball, and catch it with their other hand before it passes the bars. This works on their ability to complete a task quickly and accurately, as they must move their hands quick in order to catch the ball.
    Step 1
    Divide your students into lines.
    Step 2 - Setting Up the Drill:
    The first student in each line will come up.
    Step 3 - Explain the Rules:
  • The instructor will hold one of the yellow bar around the students nose level and the other yellow bar at the students chest level.
  • The student will hold the tennis ball over the top bar. When they are ready, they will drop the tennis ball and use that same hand to move in between the yellow bars and try to catch the tennis ball.
  • Give the students 3 chances to do this.
  • Step 4 - Takeaways:
  • Eyes on the ball that you drop!
  • Punch straight so that you don’t hit the bar!
  • Step 5
  • Be as fast as you can so that you have a good chance to catch the ball.
  • How To Video
    https://skillz.wistia.com/medias/clpu0an8hv?embedType=async&seo=false&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640