Goalball
A playful and challenging game that develops communication, collaboration, spatial orientation, and listening skills.
- 10+ years
- Group size: 6-10
- Duration: 30 min
- Ball sport
- Alternative physical activities
- Gym / Sports hall
- Ball
This is actually a competitive sport with official rules, but here we describe a simple, everyday version:
Two teams line up at opposite ends of the gymnasium. All players are blindfolded. A specially designed sound ball that makes noise when it moves is used. The ball must be rolled along the floor from one's own team and into the 'goal' behind the opponents' defense. The goal can be the entire wall at the opposite end of the gym.
Each player is assigned a mat that marks their playing area. One person covers approximately 3–4 meters in width. Three players next to each other can therefore cover a gym that is 8–10 meters wide.
How the game proceeds:
- One team attempts to roll the ball so that it hits the wall on the opponent's side.
- After each shot attempt, the ball goes to the other team, who then get their turn.
- The game thus moves back and forth between the teams.
Variation
- Play with two sound balls simultaneously for increased challenge and activity.
The game was originally developed for the visually impaired but is well-suited for everyone. If some participants move slower or require adjustments, they can participate without blindfolds, while the others play with their vision obscured.