OMNIKIN GAMES
These games are designed for one or more omnikin balls, which range in size
from 24 to 72 inches. The official size is 48 inches. Many of these games are
cooperative, however; they can be made more competitive with some
adjustments. Ordering information can be found at www.omnikin.com
1. Roller Ball Tag:
2 people are designated “IT”, and they must work together to
roll the ball and tag another pair who are holding hands. Players must roll
the ball, it can’t be thrown or pushed, and partners must stay together.
“IT”s do not have to hold hands while rolling the ball. If tagged, that pair
now becomes “IT”.
2. Temple of Doom:
This game is based on the boulder that chases Indiana Jones. Make 2
large circles, one inside the other, and circles face each other. One
person volunteers to be Indiana Jones, and he/she is inside the track with
the ball. The object of the game is for the group to roll the ball (which
must stay on the floor) and tag Indiana. If successful, choose another
volunteer. Another option is to reverse the goal – Indiana must chase and
catch the ball.
3. Popcorn:
Form a seated circle with class, feet into circle, leaning on hands. Class
must keep omnikin ball aloft as long as possible, keeping it within the
circle. You can count consecutive contacts, and try to beat that record. If
the ball is kicked out, the teacher (or designated student) simply throws it
back in. This game works well with several omnikin balls, but one will
work too! If the skill level is not high, allow the ball to touch the floor, yet
class must still work cooperatively to keep the ball within the circle.
4. The Train
Have the class lying on floor, shoulder to shoulder (on back), forming a
railroad track. Two volunteers (one on each side of the tracks) roll the ball
along the bodies. The object of the game is to continually have a “train
track” (students) available for the “train” (ball). In order for this to happen,
students must get up and go to end of line as soon as ball has passed
over his/her body. The tracks may need to curve to stay within the
confines of the gym – if the ball hits a wall, it crashes! Make a small
obstacle course (e.g. cones, mats, hoops, etc.) and the track must be
constructed around these obstacles. The “conductors” could also change
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the speed of the train to suit the abilities of the students. You may also
allow students to lie on stomachs or their sides. For safety, have students
run to the front of the line on the side where the feet are located.
5. Sumo Wrestling:
This game works best with the 72 inch ball, and it is limited by the number
of balls available. Two students are designated as Sumo wrestlers. They
step into a circle and one tries to push the other out of the circle by
pressing against the ball. To win, the player must push the opponent’s
feet and shoulders out of the circle. You can play the best two out of three
per challenge. Players must stay on their feet. Players should match up
according to strength, and they must stay in contact with the ball at all
times. Try 2 vs. 2 or 3 vs. 3. A variation would be to play between two
lines (larger area), and players try to prevent the ball from crossing their
particular line.
6. Butterfly Net:
Students pair up and share one hula hoop. Ball is placed within one hoop,
and one player kicks the ball into the air (be sure it is kicked straight up!).
Another pair must catch the ball with the hoop before it hits the floor. The
object is to make as many catches as possible before the ball is dropped.
Both hands must be in contact with the hoop at all times. A team must
wait 2 turns before it can catch the ball again. Variations include play off a
wall or allowing one bounce. You can make this game more competitive
by calling colours of hoops or forming teams, etc.
7. Danger Zone:
This game requires several balls. Players are divided into two teams, and
begin on an end line. Each team starts with a few balls, and the object of
the game is to get all of the players across the danger zone to the other
side without getting hit with a ball. If a player is hit he/she must go back to
the start. One or two players can go at a time. Players must be on one of
the lines to catch and throw a ball. The game could begin with some
players on each team on both lines, or form a square with the class to
restrict the danger zone and keep balls constantly in play.
8. Equilibrium:
One player at a time is helped onto the ball, and he/she attempts to
balance on top of the ball as long as possible. Safety mats should be on
the floor. Players do whatever they can to stay on top of the ball. Times
could be taken. Time ends when any part of the body touches the floor.
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THE GAME OF KINBALL
This game was developed to encourage teamwork, fair play, and fitness
through the use of a unique piece of equipment – a large 4 foot ball with a
rubber bladder that “floats” in the air.
There are 3 teams, each with a different colour identification. There are four
players on each team. The players of the defensive team form a square
around the ball. This same square constantly follows all the movements of the
ball. Each player is responsible for a corner of the square and is situated about
10-12 feet from the ball. The four player’s have to maintain the team’s “square”
formation. The ball starts in the middle, and one team sets up to serve. The
serving formation is as follows: two or three players kneel down facing each
other with heads down and arms outstretched. The ball is placed on their
outstretched arms. The server approaches the ball and says “OMNIKIN” &
another colour (e.g. “OMNIKIN Black”) before striking the ball with the fist in an
upward motion. When the colour is announced and the ball is in the air, the
corresponding team must catch the ball before it hits the ground. If successful,
that team sets up to serve immediately. If that team does not succeed, one
point is awarded to each of the two other teams, and that same team serves
the ball. Official rules call for 3 periods of 15 minutes each. If the score is tied,
the game continues until there is a winner.
Regarding the serve:
 Same player cannot serve twice in a row
 Server must say “OMNIKIN” and the colour of a team before
hitting the ball.
 The server hits the ball in an outward or upward trajectory,
never in a downward direction.
 Three members of the same team have to be in contact with the
ball before the serve.
 Once the team has had 3 contacts with the ball, the server only
has 5 seconds to serve.
 Server uses a closed fist (CAUTION: straight arm baseball
swings can cause elbow injuries!) with a bent elbow. Server
can also use a volleyball bumping action.
Boundaries:
 Walls, ceiling, any fixed objects are out of bounds
Scoring:
 Whenever a team commits a fault, the other two teams each get
a point.
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Interference:
 A point is given to the other teams if a player blocks another
player intentionally
 Accidental contact results in a re-serve
Advanced Strategies for the serve:
False server:
 Three players hold the ball. The false server is about to serve the ball.
While running towards the ball he shouts OMNIKIN and the colour; fakes
his serve when he touches the ball and the true server hits.
Fake movement with the body:
 Sudden change in the technique of serving; change in speed in the
movement of the server, change in direction of the server.
The Pass:
 Just like running with the ball, passing from teammate to teammate allows
a team to choose a strategic offensive position. Usually, the player that
passed the ball to his teammates will be the one hitting.
Need more information?
1-800-706-6645 (International Kin-Ball Federation)
Try This:
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Omnikin Cooperative Volleyball with one or more balls!!
Cooperative transport of an omnikin ball with no hands! (e.g. heads, chins,
etc.)
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