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Lesson Plan #: AELP-GAM0205
Submitted by: Michael J. Robinson
Email: robinson3@sympatico.ca
School/University/Affiliation: Saint Michael High School, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Date:
March 19, 2002


Grade Level: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Subject(s):

  • Physical Education/Games
  • Physical Education/Team Sports

Duration: 25-60 minutes

Description: This game is a combination of indoor soccer, baseball, and dodgeball. Two teams compete for the most runs scored within a given time frame.

Goals:

  • Students will improve their eye-foot and hand-eye coordination.
  • Students will be able to work cooperatively in teams.
  • Objectives:

  • Students will be able to follow the rules for playing Load Em Up.
  • Students will be able to develop team strategies allowing the most runs to be scored each inning.
  • Materials:

    • 3 hoola hoops
    • gator skin ball (size may vary according to hand size)
    • set of pinnies

    Procedure:
    Divide the class into two teams. Provide pinnies for one of the teams. One team stands behind the baseline of the basketball court along the back wall. The home base area is the baseline of the key area. The three hoola hoops are placed on the basketball court at the midway point of the sidelines and on the opposite baseline of the key area (as a baseball diamond set-up). One player from the kicking team stands behind the home line. The pitcher for the opposing team stands in the middle of the basketball court and rolls the ball towards the kicker. The ball is in play once kicked ahead of the baseline. The entire gym is in play, including overhanging baskets, light fixtures, bleachers, walls, etc. The kicker must run to the first base hoola hoop and place one foot in the hoola hoop before the opposing team: catches the ball before it hits the ground, throws the runner out, or hits the runner with the ball (dodgeball style). If the runner overruns the hoola hoop, he may not return but must attempt to make it to the second hoola hoop before he is out. There is no set number of outs. Each team member will have an opportunity to kick the ball once per inning.

    Once the ball is in the pitcher’s hands, the next kicker steps up to the home line. However, the baserunner now has a choice as to whether or not to attempt to make it to the next base or remain for a better opportunity. The baserunning team can have as many players at each base as they can physically handle (thus called Load Em Up). At least one foot must be in the hoola hoop. Once a baserunner decides to leave a hoola hoop, he must make it to the next hoola hoop before being thrown out or hit with the ball. If part of or an entire group decides to leave for the next hoola hoop and they are thrown out, all of the runners that made the attempt are out. A home run is scored when a baserunner runs across the home line before the opposing team’s catcher catches the ball. The last kicker must attempt to run all of the bases before the outfield team retrieves the ball and throws the ball across the home line to their catcher. The last kicker cannot be hit with the ball nor can he be thrown out at any of the bases. It is simply a race to see whether the kicker can make it home before the ball reaches the home line.

    Assessment:
    How did each student respond to having players located all over the gym floor? Did the students look for open areas to kick the ball? How did the opposing team position their players to cover all areas of the gym floor? Ask students for modifications and/or suggestions if required. Special Comments: Safety rules apply for the dodgeball portion (no throws to the head area). Runners cannot slide into the hoola hoops.