Skill: Concentration
Drill: Brain Games
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: 1 per Line
Description: In this drill the students work on building better CONCENTRATION by naming off things in random categories instead of counting repetitions.
Teaching SKILLZ:
CHOICES – The instructor can give two similar categories each round, like movie characters and video game characters, and let the students choose which one they would like to do when they come up, making it clear that they cannot switch between them. The choice in the activity will also empower the students, as they will feel more in control over what they are doing.
Brain SKILLZ:
LONG TERM MEMORY – The students must recall things that belong underneath the category, and say it while punching the pad. This works on their ability to recall information that they have learned in the past (their semantic long term memory), and apply it to a task.
Step 1
Divide your students into lines.
Step 2 – Setting Up the Drill:
Have 1 instructor per line to watch technique while making sure each student does the appropriate amount of reps.
Step 3 – Explain the Rules:
  • The instructor will call out a random category I.e. colors, candies, animals etc. that the whole line will use.
  • The first student in each line will perform 10 punches naming things in each category instead of counting the rep.
  • If they pause for more than 3 seconds or name something not in that category, they are out and the instructor gets a point.
  • If they can get all 10 without pausing than their team gets a point.
  • Your goal is to have more points than the instructor at the end of the game.
Step 4 – Takeaways:
  • Make sure you have good technique.
  • Think about what your will say while waiting in line.
  • Be confident when listing things.
Step 5
  • Continue for 2-3 times, switching the category each time.
 
How To Video