
Below are the video’s for each program. Click the video for welcome information and the link below to access the curriculum page.
Leadership Program
Welcome to East Coast Martial Arts
Welcome to ECMA. We excited to welcome you to our East Coast Martial Arts Family. Thank you for having the trust and confidence in choosing our organization to help you reach your goals and aspirations.
We are here to serve you and welcome feedback both positive and constructive. Our goal is to help you achieve yours. Please never hesitate to seek help in any area. Our Front Desk Staff is ere to help you and to communicate anything you need to our instructors or to myself, the owner.
Again, thank you for being a part of our T.E.A.M. and Family.
Sincerely, Master Tommy Lee
Welcome to the ECMA Demo Team. The tabe will give you important Demo Team Information while below this will give you the demo team curriculum.
Test this is a test.
Another test.
ECMA Leadership Training
This section contains the following information. xxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxx
Welcome to the ECMA Instructors Training Program. This program was developed to ensure ECMA Instructors, Assistants and Coaches are prepared to teach and assist in a manner most beneficial to their students.
Everyone from student helpers to Master Instructors are required to go thru this training and stay updated on the most effective ways to teach and motivate students.
Since we are in the business of teaching Martial Arts, the most vital element to the success of ECMA and it’s students is employing high-quality, passionate instructors and staff who are committed to helping improve people’s lives.
What is more rewarding than giving the gift of what you have learned and discovered over many years to others? The best teachers teach by example. By being a Martial Artist first, your job as a teacher is already half done.
Please take your training seriously. Each time a student comes to class they are one step closer to reaching their goal of becoming a black belt or instructor or one step closer to quitting. What you do can have an impact on which road they decide to take. Trust me when I say that regardless of the level you are assisting or teaching you have a direct impact on helping the student make that choice. The training will ensure that you empower that student to achieve their Goals.
Thank you for being part of our ECMA Family and I look forward to having you help ECMA in “Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders”.
The following dates are the upcoming L.I.T., Leadership and Instructors Training Sessions. Please sign up the week before the training. Please sign up no earlier than the Monday and no later than Thursday 11:00 PM the week of Training. It’s important we know who is attending. Please click the date when you are ready to sign up for the class.
Below are some of the dates you may assist if you are qualified to do so. It’s always nice to have extra help. The instructors and students both benefit and each volunteer will earn points toward their Instructor Certification. Please click the link below to request to help. Thank You.
Jan 19th Endurance Day – Click here to assist.
Feb 9th Dragon Test Camp
Feb 10th TKD Test Camp
Feb 22nd Underbelt Testing
Feb 23rd Black Belt Testing
Ecma Teaching Curriculum
You can’t lose with the following five mindsets!
1) We are the friendliest place in town.
2) We are the cleanest place in town.
3) We only teach GREAT classes, never just good classes.
4) We are excellent at student/parent communication.
5) We look for opportunities to recruit new students every day so we can impart the benefits of martial art to enrich their lives as martial arts has enriched ours.
16 Effective Teaching Tactics, Techniques and Tools
Download each of the lessons and place in your binder. Write the date on the top corner when you have read and understand the lesson.
1) Be Friendly on purpose.
2) Transformational Communication skills.
3) Harness the Power of Focus Anchors.
4) Positive Pre-Framing.
5) The 3 x 3 Rule
6) Public Praise and Private Reprimand
7) The 3 D’s: Demonstrate, Detail, and Drill.
8) Praise-Correct-Praise.
9) Using Influence instead of Authority
10) SSL Rule – Smiling-Sweating-Learning.
11) Disguising Repetition.
12) Practice Zero Downtime.
13) Working with Challenging Students.
14) Huddle Discussions.
15) Stressing Safety First.
16) Instructor / Student Relationship.
Using the Instructor’s Creed as a foundation for all your instruction will help you achieve long-term success. you can use The Instructors Creed as a solid metric or standard to examine the situation when classes aren’t going well, too.
Click here to download The Instructors Creed and what it means. Below is the creed, click to download the breakdown of what it means.
1) I will teach this class as if it is the most important class I’ll ever teach.
2) I am patient and enthusiastic.
3) I lead by example.
Communication in all it’s forms is an integral part of the success or failure of our studio. The way we communicate is as important as the way we teach. WE have different levels of training on this skill. Please click the proper link below to download the material intended for you.
1) Leadership and Assistant Instructors Student / Parent Communication Lesson.
2) Instructors and ECMA Staff. (Passcode Required)
Click here for the strategies for helping others reach their goals.
The importance of managing the floor cannot be over emphasized. Teaching and empowering, exciting and structured class is dependent on the way you run the floor. Class management is a must for one to be a Master Instructor. Click here to access this module.
What does it take to effectively teach young children. This module will help instructors help ECMA live up to our motto… “Create Tomorrow’s Leaders”.
Martial Arts continues to grow in popularity, along with its reputation of enabling people to make positive life changes. With this growing reputation, more and more parents are bringing their challenging children to us in hopes that we can make a difference in their lives. This module will guide Instructors with Teaching Guidelines that will Transform Challenging Children’s Lives.
Coming Soon….
Front Kick Hops
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Front Kick Hops
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs by holding themselves on 1 foot while also trying to demonstrate kicks and switches.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by lifting one foot off the ground.
- The student will then kick the foot in the air.
- They will rechamber it and then jump and switch their chambers.
- They will do this for 10 reps.
- They want to do as many kicks as they can without putting their foot down.
- Do you best to bend your best to keep your knee tight before each kick.
Warm Up Routine 1
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Warm Up Routine 1
Equipment needed:
Instructors needed:
Description:
Steps:
- WARM UP (Routine 1): 5 Minutes
- Exercises:
- Sunflowers: Rotate your arms forward 5 times, then backwards 5 times.
- Toe Touches: Reach down and touch your toes then stand back up 10 times, all while looking forward.
- Baby toe touches: Lie on your back and gently raise your feet up and touch your toes 10 times.
- Octopus Wiggles: While sitting, lift your feet off the ground and wiggle your legs and arms while counting to 10.
Warm Up Routine 2
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Warm Up Routine 2
Equipment needed:
Instructors needed:
Description:
Steps:
- WARM UP (Routine 2): 5 Minutes
- Exercises:
- Shoulder Hops: Raise your shoulders up and down 10 times.
- Butterflies: While sitting, place the bottom of your feet together and raise your knees up and down while counting to 10.
- Stuck Buggies: While lying on your back, wiggle your feet and hands while counting to 10.
- Busy Bee: While sitting, gently twists your shoulders while counting to 10.
Warm Up Routine 3
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Warm Up Routine 3
Equipment needed:
Instructors needed:
Description:
Steps:
- WARM UP (Routine 3): 5 Minutes
- Exercises:
- Froggies: Take baby hops in the air 10 times.
- Apes: Bend your knees and place your palms on the ground, then alternated tapping your hands to your shoulders 10 times.
- Eagles: Slightly bend your knees and flap your arms to the side 10 times.
- Donkey Kicks: Bend over and place your palms on the ground, then alternate kicking your legs back 10 times.
Warm Up Routine 4
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Warm Up Routine 4
Equipment needed:
Instructors needed:
Description:
Steps:
- WARM UP (Routine 4): 5 Minutes
- Exercises:
- Jumping Joey’s: Gently hop down the mat.
- Panther: Crawl down the mat while trying not to let your knees touch the floor.
- Inch Worms: Walk your hands down the mat then walk your feet to your hands.
Flat Man’s: Swing your leg forward down the mat and face your body sideways when you land, then swing the other leg and you will face the other direction.
Following
Bucket Ball
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: FOLLOWING
Drill: Bucket Ball
Equipment needed: 1 Dodgeball per student
Instructors needed: A few to Monitor
Description: The students will practice having good FOLLOWING skills by knowing when to put the dodge ball when his/ her name is called.
Steps:
- Have everyone make a big circle, and place a bucket in the middle of the circle.
- Explain the rules:
- When you call the student’s name, he/ she will follow his/ her guardian and place the dodge ball in the bucket.
- After everyone places their dodgeball in the bucket, next round they will follow his/ her guardian and grab a ball when their name is called.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer for every student when it is his/ her turn.
- Be patient don’t rush your student to get this done.
- Encourage the student to help lead you to follow him/ her to the bucket.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Copycat
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: FOLLOWING
Drill: Copycat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will work on their FOLLOWING by copying what their guardian does.
Steps:
- Have the guardians spread out around the mat with their ninja.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardian will start by doing a block strike or kick.
- The student will then become the “copycat” by copying what their guardian does.
- On each round the guardian can make it a little more difficult by adding on another move.
- After a few rounds the guardians and their students can switch roles so they guardian now has to copy their student.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your student to follow your example.
- Cheer for them when they do follow you.
- Have fun!
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Follow The Leader
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: FOLLOWING
Drill: Follow The Leader
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will practice their FOLLOWING skills by sitting or standing when their guardian stands or sits.
Steps:
- Have your guardians and students spread out around the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will play follow the leader as the student follows. For example: touch your head, touch your toes, jump, etc.
- Halfway through, have the guardians all sit and then have the instructor call out commands as all the students follow along together as a group.
- Takeaways:
- Be creative, make it fun so the student will stay interested.
- Don’t go too fast.
- Encourage your students when they work as a group, but expect some to be a little shy.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Mouse Chase
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: FOLLOWING
Drill: Mouse Chase
Equipment needed: 4-5 cones for each line
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their FOLLOWING skills by following their guardian through the cones.
Steps:
- Put the students with their guardians in lines.
- Set 4-5 cone out in front of each line with space in between each cone.
- Explain the rules:
- For the first round the guardian will be the “mouse”
- When the instructor says go the guardians will start to zig- zag through the cones and their student will then chase after them following them through the cones.
- On round to the rolls can switch so the student has a turn to be the “mouse”
- Takeaways:
- Don’t be afraid to be funny with it. The students will stay more interested in chasing you.
- Make sure you go at a pace that your students will be able to follow.
- Cheer when they make it all the way to the end with you.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Obstacle Course
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: FOLLOWING
Drill: Obstacle Course
Equipment needed: Various Equipment Types
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their FOLLOWING by trying not to fall far behind the person in front of them while navigating the course.
Steps:
- Have students form a line with the guardians standing next to them for support.
- Use various pieces of equipment to build a obstacle course that requires 3-4 different types of movement.
- Explain the rules:
- Choose one students to to go first.
- Each other student will follow them through the course.
- The goal is to not fall behind.
- Once you make it through the course run back to your spot.
- Then have another student be the leader.
- Takeaways:
- Do your best to not fall down
- Try not to fall too far behind your teammates
- Remember not to bump into the person in front of you.
- Continue so that everyone has a chance to lead.
Through the Tunnel
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: FOLLOWING
Drill: Through the Tunnel
Equipment needed: 1 ball, 1 tunnel per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their FOLLOWING by chasing after the ball as it rolls through the tunnel.
Steps:
- Set up students in groups or lines.
- Lay our a collapsible tunnel or make one out of pads.
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go” you will roll the ball through the tunnel.
- Then crawl through the tunnel as quickly as you can.
- Try to catch up to the ball before it exits the tunnel on the other side.
- Once you get your ball, run it back to your guardian.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to follow the ball
- Do your best to crawl through the tunnel.
- Don’t let the ball get away!
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Elevator Jumps
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Elevator Jumps
Equipment needed: Three slammer pad for each student.
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their JUMPING skills by jumping off pads into their guardian’s arms.
Steps:
- Give each guardian 3 slammer pads for their ninjas. Then have them spread out around the mat with their students.
- Explain the rules:
- For level one the students will stand on one slammer pad then jump to their guardian’s arms.
- Level two, the parent will stack two slammer pads up and the student will then jump from two pads high to their guardian.
- Level three, the guardian will stack three pads up and allow their student to jump to them again.
- Takeaways:
- Help your student with getting on to the pads.
- If they are scared at first reassure them that you are there to catch them.
- Cheer for them and hug them when they do jump to you.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Jump Kicks
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Jump Kicks
Equipment needed: One clapper pad for each student and their guardian
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their JUMPING by jumping and trying to kick a pad.
Steps:
- Give each guardian clapper pad. Then have them spread out around the mat with their students.
- Explain the rules:
- When the guardian says go the student will try to jump up and kick the clapper pad.
- Guardians shouldn’t hold the clapper pad too high to where students are not able to kick the pad.
- Guardians will give the students 5 turns to kick the pad.
- Takeaways:
- Count loud so your student knows exactly when to go.
- Challenge your students. If where you are holding the target is too easy raise it up a little higher.
- Cheer for them when they are able to jump and kick the pad.
- Continue so each student has a chance to kick five times.
Jumping Joeys
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Jumping Joeys
Equipment needed: 1 Small Pad Per Student
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their JUMPING by hopping like a baby Joey and stack all their pads.
Steps:
- Place pads down the mat at random points.
- Explain that they will be baby kangaroos today!
- Explain the rules:
- When you are called, you will use baby hops as you go to collect your pads.
- Continue to hop to a pad, and then stack it by your guardian.
- Once all your pads are stacked, hop back to your spot.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure students are jumping and not running
- Cheer on students and give them a high-five when they do it correctly
- Encourage them to jump as fast as they can
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Kangaroo
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Kangaroo
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: Students will work on their JUMPING skills by doing 10 jumps before taking a break.
Steps:
- Have the guardians and their students spread out around the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will put their hands on the sides of their students to provide assistance with the child’s balance.
- The students will do 10 jumps.
- After 10 jumps, they will sit to rest their legs and then the guardian will jump 10 times.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your student to jump without help.
- Cheer your student on.
- Don’t forget to count.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Lily Pad Jumps
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Lily Pad Jumps
Equipment needed: 3 Small Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their JUMPING by JUMPING onto and off of each pad.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines with their guardians.
- Lay 3 small pads, spaced evenly, down the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will first jump onto the first lily pad.
- Then they will jump off the lily pad onto the ground.
- Repeat this until you reach the end of the pads.
- Turn around and continue all the way back.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure the students bend their knees and then jump with both feet.
- Encourage them to jump all by themselves but help if needed.
- Cheer for the students after each successful jump.
- Continue for multiple turns.
Over The Line
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Over The Line
Equipment needed: One Bar
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will practice their JUMPING skills by attempting to jump over a bar.
Steps:
- Give the guardians each one bar and have the guardians and their students spread out around the mat. (You can have pairs share if necessary).
- Give a quick review of how to kick:
- Hold your hands up, pick your foot off the ground and snap it out and back in, and bend your knee as much as you can on the snap.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will lay the bar on the ground.
- Guardians will then hold their students hands for balance.
- The student will jump over the bar and then do two kicks; and continue for 4 reps.
- After 4 reps, the guardian will take a turn.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t rush your ninja.
- Cheer when they jump over the bar.
- Let them do most of the work so they can build up their leg muscles.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Ring Jumps
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: JUMPING
Drill: Ring Jumps
Equipment needed: Several Colored Rings
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description:
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines with their guardians.
- Lay 3-4 colored rings in front of each line.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will start by calling a color to the student.
- The student will then jump into each ring until they reach the color called.
- Then they will do 4 kicks in that ring before JUMPING back to their guardian.
- Takeaways:
- Be sure students are JUMPING with both feet at the same time.
- Be patient as students jump to each ring.
- Cheer on the students as they do their jumps and kicks.
- Continue for multiple turns.
Clean Up
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Clean Up
Equipment needed: Various Pads
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their LISTENING by picking up objects throughout the room and putting them where their guardian says they go.
Steps:
- Have the students and guardians sit with each other.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will tell students which object to pick up and where to put it
- Students will run to the object, put it away, and then go back and sit with their guardian.
- Continue until everything is put away.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer on students after they put something in the correct spot .
- Encourage students to be fast.
- Congratulate students on an awesome job cleaning up the mess they helped make .
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Get the Block
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Get the Block
Equipment needed: 2 Colored Blocks per student
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their LISTENING and colors by picking up the correct color block.
Steps:
- Students will sit with their guardians across from multiple blocks.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call out a student’s name and a color
- The student will run and pick up the correct color block and bring it back to their spot.
- Each block will go on top of the previous block making a tower.
- After all the blocks have been collected have the students listen to their guardians who will tell them when to kick their tower.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage students to run fast as they go to get their block .
- Cheer on the students as they get the correct color block.
- Have students cheer on the other students while they are waiting their turn.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Hey Ninja Ninja
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Hey Ninja Ninja
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their LISTENING skills by waiting to hear the phrase then going to their guardian.
Steps:
- Have the students and guardians form lines.
- Explain the rules:
- The student and guardian will stand a few feet away from each other.
- When the guardian says “Hey Ninja Ninja” the ninja will stand up and run to their guardian and give him/ her a hug.
- Switch roles after 4 reps (optional).
- Takeaways:
- Give them time to stand and walk/run to you.
- Cheer when they to run to you after you say the phrase.
- Make sure the student doesn’t move before you say the phrase.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Musical Ninjas
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Musical Ninjas
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice having good LISTENING skills by hearing the music to start and stop.
Steps:
- Have your student and guardians spread out on the mat
- Show everyone how to perform a punch and kick.
- Explain the rules:
- The music will start and the guardians and students will start to kick and punch.
- When the music stops everyone has to freeze.
- When the music starts then everyone can kick and punch again.
- Takeaways:
- Stay with your student to help them freeze.
- Make sure that the student freezes when the music stops.
- Keep the student kicking and punching the whole time as the music plays.
- Continue for as long as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Musical Stars
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Musical Stars
Equipment needed: Multiple Stars or spots spread throughout the room
Instructors needed: A couple to monitor
Description: Students will work on their LISTENING by dancing when the music plays and finding a spot to stand on when it stops.
Steps:
- Spread your students around the mat.
- Have each Student/Guardian sitting on a spot/star.
- Explain the rules:
- While the music is playing students have to run around and dance.
- When the music stops, students have to find a star/spot and stand on it.
- After everyone has found a star the instructor will start the music again.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage students to go dance and run around on their own.
- Cheer on students when they find a star/spot to stand on.
- Be patient when the music stops; give the students time to stop and find a star.
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Punch, Kick, Sit
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Punch, Kick, Sit
Equipment needed: 1 Ring
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their LISTENING by being able to listen to the directions that their guardian gives them.
Steps:
- Have the students find a spot on the mat with their guardians.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardian will stand in front of the student.
- Then guardian the guardian will call out random moves. (Punch, Kick, Sit)
- The goal is for the student to do each command while keeping their balance in the ring.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure your student stays in the ring as they do each command.
- Cheer when the student is able to follow all the directions at the end of the drill.
- Be patient don’t rush your student as they are doing the drill.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called.
Stop N Go
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: LISTENING
Drill: Stop N Go
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their LISTENING by being able to hear their guardian while doing a task then trying to stop doing that same task.
Steps:
- Have the students spread out with their guardians.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will start by punching the slammer pad.
- The guardian will say “STOP” at any time while they are punching.
- The student must be able to stop as fast as they can showing they are a good listener.
- If the student looks ready see if you can trick them by saying words that aren’t stop.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure you don’t give praise if the student doesn’t stop when you say to.
- Help your student punch trying to help them hit with the front of their hand.
- Be patient it may take some time for your student to understand how to play the game.
- Continue as many times as possible until time is called.
Patience
1,2,3 KICK
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: PATIENCE
Drill: 1,2,3 KICK
Equipment needed: 1 Kicking Pad Per Student
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their PATIENCE by having to count before they can kick.
Steps:
- Have the students and guardians sit with each other.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will count to 3 and then kick the pad two times
- Once the student is able to count to 3 without any problems, count to 5
- Finally, try to count to 10 to demonstrate great PATIENCE.
- Takeaways:
- Help students count as needed making sure they repeat after the guardian.
- Cheer students on as they kick.
- Encourage students to stay still while they count all by themselves.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Castle Smash
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: PATIENCE
Drill: Castle Smash
Equipment needed: 4 Blocks Per Line
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their PATIENCE skills by having to wait from their guardian to tell them it’s ok to knock down the tower.
Steps:
- Have the students and guardians form lines.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will be a few feet away from a pad tower.
- When the guardian says go the ninja can go smash the tower, and then the guardian will rebuild the tower for the next person in line.
- The other students have to patiently wait their turn in line.
- Takeaways:
- Make them wait a little to make them really want to smash the castle.
- Cheer for them as they “GO.”
- Make sure they don’t move before you say: “GO.”
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Circle of Fun
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: PATIENCE
Drill: Circle of Fun
Equipment needed: 1 Kicking pad, 1 Punching Mitt, 1 Noodle
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their PATIENCE by being able to see people having fun but having to wait their turn to have fun.
Steps:
- Have the students spread out with their guardians forming a big circle.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will start sitting next to their guardian.
- The instructor will send 1 pair in to the circle to pick up either a kicking pad, punching mitt or the noodle.
- The students must be able to go in the circle and demonstrate the correct activity on each pad.
- Punching on the mitts, kicking on the pad, and blocking with the noodle.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure you have fun with them while they are in the circle.
- Help your student wait by sitting with them and talking to them.
- Make sure your student is waiting to play not running in the game.
- Continue as many times as possible until time is called.
Hit The Color
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: PATIENCE
Drill: Hit The Color
Equipment needed: 3 Different Color Blocks
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their PATIENCE by being able to wait for their guardian to say “GO” before they can go do a task.
Steps:
- Have the students find a spot on the mat with their guardians.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardian will give the guardian 1 color to punch.
- The student has to wait until the guardian says “GO” before they are allowed to punch the block.
- If the student seems ready try to give them more colors to punch.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure your student only punches 1 block at a time.
- Cheer when the student is able to punch the correct block and wait for their turn.
- Make sure you wait a few seconds before you say go that away they practice their patience.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called.
Kick It!
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: PATIENCE
Drill: Kick It!
Equipment needed: 1 Pad per Guardian
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice having good PATIENCE skills by waiting to see a pad before they can kick it.
Steps:
- Have your student and guardians spread out on the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardian will hold a pad behind his/ her back.
- When the guardian is ready, he/ she will hold out the pad and the student will kick the pad three times.
- Takeaways:
- Count while the student kicks the pad to help him/ her learn to count.
- Make sure that the student kicks the pad three times.
- Give them a second. Don’t expect them to kick the pad as soon as you put it out.
- Continue for as long as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Big Bow
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: RESPECT
Drill: Big Bow
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their RESPECT skills by being able to practice hitting and showing respect by bowing after they finish.
Steps:
- Have your students spread out with their guardian.
- Give a quick review of how to punch:
- Make a tight fist, hit with the front of the knuckles, and hold to other hand by your chin.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardian will hold a slammer pad and the student will do four punches hitting the slammer pad.
- Once they are finished punching they have to face their guardians and bow and say: “ Thank you.” (If he/she can speak.)
- Takeaways:
- Make sure they use one hand at a time when they punch.
- Cheer when they punch.
- Do the bow with your student at the end so they have a visual aid.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Block Race
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: RESPECT
Drill: Block Race
Equipment needed: 1 block per student
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will work on their RESPECT by working on their manners and saying thank you to the student holding the block for them.
Steps:
- Have students sit with their guardians
- Quick review on how to punch and then the instructor will sit with the block on the other side of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Student will wait for their name to be called and then run and get a block
- When the instructor gives you the block say “thank you!”
- Then run the block to the next person in line and hand it to them.
- The next person must say “thank you” and then run the block to the instructor.
- Continue until everyone has gone.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to say “Thank you”
- Hand the block to your partners nicely.
- Always remember to say Thank You, even at home!
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Hit and Hug
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: RESPECT
Drill: Hit and Hug
Equipment needed: Small square pad per team
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their RESPECT skills by knowing when to hit and when to not.
Steps:
- Have the student and guardian find a spot on the mat.
- Give a quick review of how to kick:
- Hold your hands up, pick your foot off the ground and snap it out and back in, and bend your knee as much as you can on the snap.
- Explain the rules:
- When they see the pad they have to kick it, but when the guardians open their arms they have to hug them.
- Halfway through, switch roles.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer when they hit the pad, and when they hug you.
- Don’t give praise if they hit you.
- Keep them moving and having fun.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Mess Up
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: RESPECT
Drill: Mess Up
Equipment needed: A lot of pads
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their RESPECT by being able to clean up a mess that they have made.
Steps:
- Have the students spread out with their guardians.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will start sitting next to their guardian.
- The guardian will give the student some pads to play with and make a mess.
- The guardian will tell them it’s time to clean up and the student wants to clean up as fast as they can.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure you play with them as they are playing.
- Help your student wait by giving them hints on where everything goes.
- Make sure you don’t give praise if they get upset about having to clean up.
- Continue as many times as possible until time is called.
Yay Ninja!
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: RESPECT
Drill: Yay Ninja!
Equipment needed: 1 Pad Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their PATIENCE by not getting upset while they wait for their turn.
Steps:
- Have students sit with their guardians
- Quick review how to kick and punch, have the instructor on the other side of the mat with a pad.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will get to choose if they would like to kick or punch.
- Student will wait for their name to be called and then run to the instructor.
- When they get there, they will do 5 punches or kicks.
- As they are running and kicking, the students in line will cheer “yay ninja”
- Once you are done kicking, run back to your line.
- Continue until everyone has gone and don’t forget to cheer.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to cheer on your friends.
- Kick or punch super strong.
- Do you best to wait your turn.
- Continue for multiple rounds.
You Go I Go
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: RESPECT
Drill: You Go I Go
Equipment needed: 1 Kicking Target
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their RESPECT by holding a pad for a friend and then bowing to each other when the task is done.
Steps:
- Have the students find a spot on the mat with their guardians and another pair.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardians will give the pad to 1 of the students.
- 1 student is holding the pad the other is demonstrating 10 kicks.
- Once the 1st student is done have them bow to each other and switch roles.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure your student is holding the pad without moving it.
- Cheer when the students bow to each other at the end of every series.
- Make sure your student shows respect by bowing to their partner.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called.
Dodgeball Relay
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: SHARING
Drill: Dodgeball Relay
Equipment needed: 1 ball and cone per line
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will work on their SHARING skills by playing a fun relay race.
Steps:
- Divide your pairs (student and guardians) into lines on one end of the mat, and give the first person in each line a dodgeball. Place a cone at the other end of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student in line will run across the mat to the cone and then back with the dodge ball, and the guardian will run with the student.
- The student will share the dodge ball with the next student in line, and so forth until everyone has a turn.
- Once everyone has a turn, mix up the lines and start again.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer with your student as they run to the cone and back.
- Give them a high-five after they share the dodge ball.
- Encourage them to be patient as they wait for their turn.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
I Hold, You Hold
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: SHARING
Drill: I Hold, You Hold
Equipment needed: One hand mitt for each student
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their SHARING by sharing the fun of punching something with their guardian.
Steps:
- Give each guardian a hand mitt. Then have them spread out around the mat with their ninja.
- Explain the rules:
- On round one the guardian will start with the hand mitt.
- Every time the guardian counts the student will then punch the pad.
- The guardians can make it a slight challenge for their student by moving the pad around.
- For round two the student will then hold for the guardian sharing the fun of punching with them.
- Takeaways:
- Challenge your student by not holding target in the same place.
- Hug your student after they have done their punches then have to share the fun with you.
- Have fun!
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Pass The Cookie
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: SHARING
Drill: Pass The Cookie
Equipment needed: 1 Dot
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will work on their SHARING skills by passing around the dot, which in this case is called the “cookie”.
Steps:
- Have the guardians and students make a big circle.
- Explain the rules:
- One student will start with the dot.
- The student will then walk up to one of their ninja friends and hand them the dot.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your student to share with someone who hasn’t had a turn.
- Cheer when your student shares.
- Praise them with a hug after they share.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Sword Tag
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: SHARING
Drill: Sword Tag
Equipment needed: 1 foam noodle
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their SHARING by learning to wait their turn to use the bopper.
Steps:
- Have students and guardians spread around the mat.
- Give one student the bopper to start the game.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will have 5 seconds as a head start to begin running around.
- The student with the bopper will then have about 10 seconds to bop everyone they can.
- When time is up, share the bopper with one of your friends.
- Continue until everyone has a turn.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to not hit too hard.
- Wait for your turn to us the bopper.
- Do your best to share when it is time to switch.
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Worker Ants
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: SHARING
Drill: Worker Ants
Equipment needed: 4-6 balls for each group
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their SHARING skills by sharing the work of carrying the balls down the mat.
Steps:
- Have the students and their guardians’ pair up with another student and guardian.
- Put the balls on the opposite side of the mat from the students.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will run down the mat to the balls together.
- With each other’s help they will carry the balls back to their guardians.
- The students will continue running back and forth together until they have brought ll their balls to the guardians.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your student to be share with their friends
- Cheer the students on as they run as fast as they can.
- Celebrate with a big hug for your student after they have finished sharing the work with their partner.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Down the River
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Down The River
Equipment needed: 2 Agility Ladders 1 Punching mitt per group
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their STEPPING by taking steps and alternating punches all the way down the agility ladder.
Steps:
- Have the students get into 2 lines with their guardians.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will start next to their guardian.
- The guardian will help the student walk down the agility ladder without touching the ladder at all.
- The student will throw a punch in every square of the ladder until they reach the end of the ladder.
- If the student looks ready see if they can do it all by their self.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer when the student makes it to the end of the ladder.
- Help your student step if they are having trouble.
- Be patient it may take some time for your student to move but don’t rush them.
- Continue as many times as possible until time is called.
Fast or Slow
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Fast or Slow
Equipment needed: 1 cone or dot per student
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: Students will work on their STEPPING by changing the speed of their steps.
Steps:
- Divide your students around the mat.
- Have each guardian sitting across the mat from their child making sure each child is sitting on or by a cone/dot.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will tell their students to go either fast or slow.
- Students will go the speed their guardian says until they reach them.
- Guardians will keep switching the speed as their student is coming toward them.
- Once the student reaches their guardian they will give them a big hug and then run back to their cone or dot.
- Challenge students by standing further away so they really have to listen
- Takeaways:
- Cheer on students as they are going the correct speed.
- Encourage students to go either faster or slower.
- Be patient as students change their speed.
- Continue for at least 2 to 3 reps.
Little Step, Big Step
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Little Step, Big Step
Equipment needed: 6-8 Poly Spots per student
Instructors needed: 1 per every 2 students
Description: Students will work on their STEPPING and balance by taking both big and little steps.
Steps:
- Have the students and guardians sit with each other.
- For each line, place 2 dots close together, and then a few inches away, place another 2 dots spaced close together.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will stand with both feet on the first spot
- The student will step to the next spot avoiding stepping on the space between the spots.
- Guardians will help students while they’re taking their steps and call out whether it is a big step or a little step they are taking.
- Challenge students by placing the spots further away
- Takeaways:
- Guardians will encourage students to step all by themselves
- Cheer on the students when they’re able to step only on the spots
- Be patient if children fall. Encourage them to try again without falling.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called.
Over the Mountain
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Over the Mountain
Equipment needed: 6 Cones & 3 Poles Per Line
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their STEPPING by being able to step over a bar without falling.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have each guardian sit with their child, set up 3 the poles on for each line set at the first or second height.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will step over the bar and punch 4 times.
- The guardians will walk alongside their students helping them step over the bar when needed.
- Challenge the students by raising the bar so they have to pick their foot up higher in order to step over.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage students to lift their foot up high so they are able to step over the bar.
- Cheer students on after they step without falling
- Don’t rush the student as they try to step over, be patient and encourage them to do it by themselves.
- Continue as many times as you can before time is called.
Over The Rocks
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Over The Rocks
Equipment needed: 4 Small Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their STEPPING skills by first trying to step over a pad, then punching in the air.
Steps:
- Make several lines with four small pads in a row for the students to step over, and have the pairs pick a line.
- Give a quick review of how to punch:
- Make a tight fist, hit with the front of the knuckles, and hold to other hand by your chin.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will step over the pad and then punch in the air with both hands.
- The guardian will walk alongside the student, holding his/ her hand when necessary.
- When the student reaches the third pad, the next pair can go.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer on your students as they step over the pads.
- Don’t rush your student.
- Try and encourage them to step over each pad without help.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Race Car
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Race Car
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad and 1 Cone
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their STEPPING by being able to take steps as the move in a circle around the pad.
Steps:
- Have the students find a spot on the mat with their guardians.
- Explain the rules:
- The guardian will show the student how to walk around the cone while using their pad as a racecar!
- Then the student will try to step with their guardian around the cone while holding the pad on the ground.
- If the student is looking really good have them try to do it with no help.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure the student is trying to take big steps.
- Cheer when the student is able to push the pad all the way around the cone.
- Be patient the student may be wobbly at first so give them the correct amount of help
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called.
Rocks & Lily Pads
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Rocks & Lily Pads
Equipment needed: 3 Poly Spots & 3 Balance Bubbles per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will work on their STEPPING by working on STEPPING over and on different objects.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have guardians sitting with their child, lay out alternating spots and balance bubbles for each line.
- Explain the rules:
- On round one, have each student practice STEPPING over the rocks and onto the lily pads.
- On round 2, have each student kick 2 times after STEPPING over the rocks.
- Continue by having them punch 2 times after STEPPING onto the lily pads
- Guardians will help students by reminding them when to kick and when to punch
- Takeaways:
- Be patient and give students a chance to think about whether they have to punch or kick.
- Encourage students to take big steps over the rocks and step with both feet on the lily pads
- Cheer on students as they step correctly and do the proper technique
- Continue as many times as you can before time is called.
Step-Step-Kick-Kick
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: STEPPING
Drill: Step-Step-Kick-Kick
Equipment needed: One kicking pad per pair
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will work on their STEPPING skills by taking two steps and then kicking a pad.
Steps:
- Have your students and guardians line up on one side of the mat.
- Give a quick review of how to kick:
- Hold your hands up, pick your foot off the ground and snap it out and back in, and bend your knee as much as you can on the snap.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will take two steps and then kick the pad held by the guardian.
- As the student steps forward, the guardian will take two steps backwards.
- Switch roles when you reach the end of the mat (optional).
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your student to only take two steps.
- Encourage your student to kick properly.
- Count for them as they step and kick.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Animals
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Animals
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their THINKING by thinking of how different animals move and what noise they make
Steps:
- Have students and guardians standing on their dots.
- Explain the rules:
- Choose one students to to go first.
- That student will choose an animal for everyone to pretend to be.
- Ask each student the sound that animal makes, and what they look like.
- Once we know how to act, each student will go down the mat pretending to be that animal.
- Continue until everyone has had a turn to choose an animal.
- Takeaways:
- Be patient as students think about their animal
- Encourage students to be fast
- Cheer on the students as they go down the mat.
- Continue for 1-2 rounds
Count Your Kicks
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Count Your Kicks
Equipment needed: 1 smallpad per guardian
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their THINKING by practicing their counting and kicking at the same time.
Steps:
- Have guardians spread out with their ninjas so that each pair has space
- Review how to kick and give each guardian a pad
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will give their students a number 1-10
- Students will perform that many kicks while counting.
- If you have difficulty, give your ninja a quick hint.
- Once you do all your kicks, use another number.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your ninja to count when they kick
- Cheer on the students as they kick
- Be patient while the learn to count
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Over Under
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Over Under
Equipment needed: 6 Cones & 3 Poles Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their THINKING by looking at an obstacle and determining whether to go over or under, then remembering to punch or kick.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines.
- Alternate high and low obstacles for each line.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will step over the low obstacles and then perform 4 kicks.
- Then they will crawl under the high obstacles and then perform 4 punches.
- Once you reach the end, turn around and continue again all the way back.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage students to go by themselves when possible.
- Remind them to kick and punch if they forget.
- Congratulate them when they figure it out correctly.
- Continue so that everyone gets at least 2 turns.
Shapes
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Shapes
Equipment needed: Various shaped pads
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their THINKING by recognizing item shapes.
Steps:
- Have the students and guardians sit with each other.
- Set up 1 group of shaped objects as an example, and spread the others out on the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will tell their student to get an item of a certain shape (circle, square, rectangle, etc.)
- Students will run and get the right item and stack it on top of the examples.
- If students get the wrong shape guardians will tell them to put it back and try again.
- Continue until all of the items are picked up.
- Takeaways:
- Be patient as students think about which is the right shape
- Encourage students to run fast
- Cheer on students as they bring back the right item
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Show Me
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Show Me
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will work on their THINKING skills by showing his/ her ninja moves.
Steps:
- Have your guardians and students spread out around the mat.
- Show everyone how to perform a punch and kick.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will give a command and then see if the student can follow. For example: “kick” “punch” “punch-punch” “kick-kick”
- Halfway through, have the guardians all sit and then have the instructor call out commands as all the students show the moves all together.
- Takeaways:
- Be patient with your student.
- Cheer your students on when they are correct.
- Encourage your students when they work as a group, but expect some to be a little shy.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Tower
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Tower
Equipment needed: Four blocks per group
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will work on their THINKING skills by trying to build a tower.
Steps:
- Give each guardian four blocks and spread out around the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Guardians will place one block on the ground, and then student will take a block and place it on top of the other block.
- They will continue to go back and forth until they have used all the blocks and built their tower.
- When the tower is built, the student will knock it over.
- Then allow the student to stack all four blocks on his or her own, and again, when the tower is built, the student will knock it over.
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your student to stack the block correctly, but you may need to adjust it so that they don’t fall.
- Try to get your student to be gentle when stacking the blocks.
- Encourage the student to not knock over the tower until all of the blocks are stacked, but anticipate that they may knock the tower over early because of impulse.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 2-minutes).
Twisted
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Twisted
Equipment needed: 1 dot or spot per student
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: Students will work on their THINKING by finding different parts of their body, then figuring out how to place that part on their dot/spot.
Steps:
- Divide your class with their guardians around the mat.
- Make sure each student has a spot or dot.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will listen for their guardian to name a body part.
- Each student will then figure out & then place that part on their dot.
- Once the student figures it out, guardians will call another part.
- Takeaways:
- Cheer on the students when they successfully figure it out.
- Encourage students to go as fast as they can.
- Be patient as they exercise their problem solving skills.
- Continue for multiple rounds.
Which Is Which?
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: THINKING
Drill: Which Is Which?
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: Students will work on their THINKING by think about the difference between techniques.
Steps:
- Have the guardians spread out around the mat with their student.
- Explain the rules:
- The student and their guardian will stand in front of each other
- For round one guardians will stick with techniques that are under the categories of strikes and blocks.
- For the mini skillz ninjas to understand a little better instead of strikes we can say hits.
- The guardian will show the ninja a move then the ninja will then have to think if it goes with block or hits.
- ON round two the ninja can then show the guardian then the guardian will have to guess what category it goes under.
- Takeaways:
- Make the drill playful. It will keep the students interested.
- High five your student every time they get a move right.
- If the student your student doesn’t know one of the moves try to give little hints on what it is.
- Continue until everyone has had a chance to go through both rounds.
Four Corners
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Four Corners
Equipment needed: 4 wavemaster cushions (or chairs), Numbered spots, 1 Chair, 1 Blindfold
Instructors needed: 1 – 2 to monitor
Description: The students will race from corner to corner working on their listening skills, counting ability, and control.
Steps:
- Form your students into on large group.
- Place one cushion in each corner of the mat. Place a numbered spot on top of each cushion. The counter will sit in the chair in the middle of the mat, blindfolded.
- Explain the rules:
- The counter will count to 10.
- Students must quietly run to a corner before the counter is finished with his/ her guardian.
- When finished counting, he/she will pick a corner 1-4, everyone at this corner will be out and have to sit off to the side.
- Runners should run quietly so the counter cannot hear them.
- Do not knock over or bang on the pads.
- The last person “in” gets to be the next counter.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 3-minutes).
Musical Chairs
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Musical Chairs
Equipment needed: Enough chairs for everyone
Instructors needed: 1 – 2 to monitor
Description: Everyone will walk around the chairs while the music is playing. When the music stops, the pairs will race to a chair and sit.
Steps:
- Have everyone make a big circle on the outside of the mat. Line up the chairs on the middle of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- When the music starts, everyone will walk around the outside of the mat.
- When the music stops, everyone will race to a chair and the students will sit on the guardian’s lap.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 3-minutes).
Ninja Freeze w/Guardian
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Ninja Freeze w/Guardian
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several
Description: The students and guardians will try and sneak up to tag the instructor without getting caught moving.
Steps:
- Line up all of your students and guardians on one end of the mat.
- The instructor will line up at the opposite end with their back towards the students.
- Explain the rules:
- I will turn my back you and slowly say: “1-2-3-Ninja FREEZE!”
- Once I start to count, you will sneak towards me with your guardian.
- Once I say: “FREEZE” I will turn around and look at you.
- If I catch you moving then you must start back from the starting point.
- I will continue until one of you tags me before I catch you moving.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 3-minutes).
Ninja Ninja Turtles
Program: Mini SKILLZ
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Ninja Ninja Turtles
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One
Description: The student and guardian will take turns picking a pair to chase them around the circle without getting tagged.
Steps:
- Have everyone make a big circle.
- Select one pair to go first.
- Explain the rules:
- The student and his/ her guardian will walk around the circle tapping each student gently on the top of the head as they say: “ninja.”
- They will select one pair by gently tapping them on the head and saying “turtle!”
- The turtle will chase them around the circle, and try to make it back and sit in the turtles’ spot.
- Once they have a turn, they must place their legs straight out (to show they’ve had a turn) and they do not get another turn until everyone else gets a turn to be the turtle.
- Continue as many times as you can until time is called (approximately 3-minutes).
Cross Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Cross Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their hearts and arms by demonstrating multiple punches that must travel across their body.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by standing with their feet in a neutral stance.
- When the instructor starts counting or says “GO!” the students want to start punches.
- Make sure that as you punch you try to go all the way across your body.
- Do you best to bend your best to keep punching without slowing down.
Duck Kids
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Balloon Kicks
Equipment needed: One balloon per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will kick the balloon as many times as possible without letting the balloon go out of the ring.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group, set up a ring that is approximately the same size as a sparring ring.
- Select one person to go first
- Explain the rules:
- You will kick the balloon and try not to let it go out of the ring.
- You will keep kicking the balloon using both feet.
- Count each kick as you kick the balloon.
- If the balloon goes out of the ring, then your turn is over.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
- You can make it a competition to see who can kick the balloon the most within the ring.
Helmets
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Helmets
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their hearts and coordination by demonstrating their ability to demonstrate multiple arm movements quickly without getting tired.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by standing on their dot.
- When the instructor starts counting the student will practicing alternating helmet guards.
- The students are trying to grab the back of their head while keeping their arm tight to their face on ever rep.
- Do your best to get your hand to the back of your head not your neck.
Switch Jabs
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Switch Jabs
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their hearts by demonstrating their ability to quickly move their feet and throw strong punches.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by standing on their dot.
- When the instructor starts counting the student will practicing alternating helmet guards.
- The students are trying to grab the back of their head while keeping their arm tight to their face on ever rep.
- Do your best to get your hand to the back of your head not your neck.
1 Foot Holds
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: 1 Foot Holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs as they try to hold their entire body weight while only using one leg.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by sitting with both knees underneath them.
- When the instructor counts, the students will stand up straight and do 2 punches.
- Once they do the punches they will quickly return to their knees.
- The student will do this for about 10 reps.
- Do you best to not fall while standing up or you might not get as strong.
Elephant Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Elephant Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their arms and core by being able to lift their upper body off the ground and do alternating punches.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by sitting with both knees underneath them.
- When the instructor counts, the students will stand up straight and do 2 punches.
- Once they do the punches they will quickly return to their knees.
- The student will do this for about 10 reps.
- Do you best to not fall while standing up or you might not get as strong.
Mario Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Mario Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their leg and coordination by demonstrating their ability to do multiple kicks while starting from an awkward position.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by being on one knee on their dot.
- When the instructor counts, the student will stand up bring their feet together and then they will kick.
- The knee that was on the ground is also the leg that kicks.
- Do your best and throw the highest and strongest kicks possible.
Zombie Seals
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Zombie Seals
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their arms by having to hold their body up with one arm while they’re in an awkward position
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by laying on their belly.
- The instructor will say “GO” and when they do the students should lift to their seal position and then throw a punch.
- They must hold the punch out in front of them for 10 seconds before they can relax.
- Do you best to not fall while punching; if you fall you won’t get as strong.
Bunny Hop Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Bunny Hop Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs and arms as they try to do continuous hops and punches without stopping.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by standing with their feet together.
- When the instructor says “GO” the will start to do their bunny hops without stopping.
- When the instructor says “GO” the second time the students will add punches to their jumps.
- The students want to do this for about 30 seconds.
- Do you best to bend your best to stay standing, try not to fall.
Jumping Ninjas
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Jumping Ninjas
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs by demonstrating that they can jump off both feet and do a kick.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by going into their guarding stance with one foot in front.
- When the instructor counts, the students will jump off both feet and kick with their front foot.
- The goal is for each kick to go above you belt.
- Do your best to have good technique for the whole exercise.
Kick and Step
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Kick & Step
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs and coordination by demonstrating their ability to do multiple kicks while moving.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in a neutral stance.
- When the instructor counts, the student will do a front kick.
- After the kick and without putting their foot down the students want to make the kicking foot land far out in front of them.
- Once they land they will bring the kicking foot back to a neutral stance before using the other leg.
- Do your best and throw the highest and strongest kicks possible.
Knee Stand Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Knee Stand Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their legs by being able to get up from the ground quickly while starting from an awkward position.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start by sitting with both knees underneath them.
- When the instructor counts, the students will stand up straight and do 2 punches.
- Once they do the punches they will quickly return to their knees.
- The student will do this for about 10 reps.
- Do you best to not fall while standing up or you might not get as strong.
Front Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Front Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs by demonstrating their best front kicks using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in their guarding stance.
- The students will demonstrate a front kick every time the instructor counts.
- The students will kick as high and hard as they can.
- The students will alternate legs for 10 reps.
- Do you best to show all 4 parts to every single kick. (Chamber, Kick, Re-chamber, Return)
High Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: High Blocks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their arms by demonstrating their best high blocks using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in their guarding stance.
- The students will demonstrate a high block every time the instructor counts.
- The students will block as fast and hard as they can.
- The students will alternate arms for 10 reps.
- Do your best to have a strong and fast block, while also using good technique.
Middle Stance Holds
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Middle Stance Holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their legs by demonstrating their best middle stances using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in by putting their feet a little past shoulder width apart.
- They will then bend both knees to 90 degrees.
- The student must hold the position for 10 seconds trying not to move.
- Do you best to hold the front stance as low as you can.
Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their arms by demonstrating their best punches using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in their guarding stance.
- The students will demonstrate a punch every time the instructor counts.
- The students will punch as hard as they can.
- The students will alternate arms for 10 reps.
- Do your best to punch as hard and as fast as they can, while also using good technique.
Reverse Curl-ups
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Abs Exercise: Reverse Curl-ups
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by raising their legs above their head for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your legs above your head and then lower them back without letting your heels touch the ground in between each rep.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to have them raise their feet a little further over their head each rep.
Seal-ups
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Arm Exercise: Seal-ups
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by lifting their upper body up with their palms.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will raise your head and belly off the ground using your palms, just like a seal, then lower your body back to the ground.
- You will do this ten times.
- Try to have them bring their hands even lower towards their belt for awesome technique.
Spider-ups
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Core Exercise: Spider-ups
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by lifting their body off the ground using their palms and the balls of their feet for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders; and their legs shoulder-width apart.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your entire body off the ground with the palms of your hands and the balls of your feet, as if you were Spiderman stuck on a wall, then lower your body close to the ground, but do not let your knees or belly touch the ground.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to have them spread their palms and feet further apart to increase difficulty.
Jack-in-the-box
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Leg Exercise: Jack-in-the-box
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by lowering their body in a squat position while their hands are above their head for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and hands behind their head.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will lower your body as far as you can without your bottom touching the ground, as if you were in a tiny box, like a jack-in-the-box, then jump as high as you can.
- You will do this ten times.
- On each rep, have them try to jump even higher.
Bicycles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Abs Exercise: Bicycles
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by moving their legs in a bicycle-like motion non-stop for ten seconds.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your legs up and begin moving your feet as if you were riding a bicycle non-stop.
- You will do this for ten seconds.
- Try to have them bend their knees constantly when they peddle.
Seal taps
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Arm Exercise: Seal taps
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by tapping their chest while in seal position for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders. Have them raise their bellies off the ground using their palms just like a seal.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will tap your chest with each hand, one at a time, without letting your belly touch the ground which will count as 1 rep.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to have them bring their hands even higher across their body towards the opposite shoulder each rep.
Crab kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Core Exercise: Crab kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by lifting their body off the ground in a crab position and then kick their legs for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students raise their body off the ground in a “crab” position.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will kick each leg, one at a time, without letting your bottom touch the ground.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- On each rep, have them kick their legs even higher.
Stationary Frankenstein’s
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Leg Exercise: Stationary Frankenstein’s
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by holding their hands straight out in front of them and then raising their legs to their hands for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended straight out in front of them.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your legs up to your hands, one at a time, while trying to keep your legs straight.
- You will do this ten times.
- On each rep have them try to keep their arms shoulder level.
Feet out of water
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Abs Exercise: Feet out of water
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by holding their heels slightly off the ground.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs with their arms folded.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your heels slightly off the ground as if you are raising your feet out of the water so that the sharks don’t bite your feet.
- Try to keep your feet together and try not to bend your knees.
- While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.
- Try to have them raise their feet a little higher, but not passed a 45-degree angle.
Seal Holds
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Arm Exercise: Seal Holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their upper body up with their palms.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your head and belly off the ground using your palms, just like a seal.
- You will hold the seal position and count to ten.
- While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.
- Try to have them keep their hands lower towards their belt.
Spider Holds
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Core Exercise: Spider Holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to Monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and the balls of their feet.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders; and their legs shoulder-width apart.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your entire body off the ground with the palms of your hands and the balls of your feet, as if you were Spiderman stuck on a wall.
- While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.
- Make sure they hold their body up for the entire count for a good workout.
Jack-in-the-box holds
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Leg Exercise: Jack-in-the-box holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by holding their body in a squat position while their hands are above their head.
Steps:
- The students will build their leg strength by holding their body in a squat position while their hands are above their head.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will lower your body as far as you can without your bottom touching the ground, as if you were in a tiny box, like a jack-in-the-box.
- You will hold the jack-in-the-box position and count to ten.
- While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.
- Try to have them try to lower their body even further until they reach the desired depth.
Swimmers
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Abs Exercise: Swimmers
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by moving their legs in a bicycle-like motion non-stop for ten seconds.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will kick your legs up and down as if you were swimming, without stopping.
- To swim even faster, try to keep your knees straight!
- Continue to swim while the instructor counts for ten seconds.
Beginner army crawls
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Arm Exercise: Beginner army crawls
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by crawling down the mat using their forearms to drag their body.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies on one end of the mat with their forearms on the floor, making a tight fist.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will drag your body down the mat using your forearms.
- Try to move as fast as you can without turning into a bear crawl.
- Continue once up the mat, and once back down the mat.
Bear crawls down the mat
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Core Exercise: Bear crawls down the mat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by crawling up and down the mat like a bear.
Steps:
- Have your students hold their body up with their hands and feet on one end of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will crawl up and down the mat like a bear without letting your knees or elbows touch the group.
- You will crawl as fast as you can without falling or using your knees.
- Continue once up the mat, and once back down the mat.
Frankenstein’s Down the Mat
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Leg Exercise: Frankenstein’s Down the Mat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by swinging their legs up towards their hands while walking down the mat.
Steps:
- Have your students stand on one end of the mat with their arms extended in front of them.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will swing your legs up to your hands as you walk down the mat.
- As you move, try your best not to let your hands drop.
- Continue once up the mat, and once back down the mat.
Hand Throws
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Hand Throws
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their ACTIVE stretching focusing on their triceps and shoulders.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand up straight with feet close together.
- Throw your hands up.
- Bend at the elbow and touch the back or your shoulders.
- Repeat with a throwing motion for 10 reps.
- Continue until you have done 2 sets.
Hip Rotations
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Hip Rotations
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their ACTIVE stretching focusing on the range of motion in their hips.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet apart.
- Place hands on your hips.
- Rotate hips in a large circular motion.
- Repeat 10 times then switch direction.
- Continue for two sets.
Knee Wobble
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Knee Wobble
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their ACTIVE stretching focusing on the range of motion in their knees.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet together, knees halfway bent.
- Place hands on your knees.
- Move knees in a lateral motion alternating to the left and right.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Continue for two sets.
Sitting toe touches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Sitting toe touches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their ACTIVE stretching focusing on their hamstrings.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit with both feet straight out and together.
- Raise your hands above your head.
- Reach forward to touch your toes, or go as far as you can without bending your knees.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Continue for two sets.
Airplanes
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Airplanes
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their DYNAMIC stretching focusing on their hips by performing a basic butterfly stretch.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit down with your knees bent and feet in.
- Touch the bottom of your feet together and hold your toes.
- You will then alternate your knees up and down.
- You can also lean forward holding the stretch down low.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Row Boats
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Row Boats
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their DYNAMIC stretches focusing on their hamstrings and lower back by reaching as far forward as possible while sitting with legs straight.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit with both feet straight out and together.
- Raise your hands above your head.
- Reach forward past your toes if possible then drag your hands back towards your hips.
- Continue your 10 rows.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Stretch Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Stretch Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their DYNAMIC stretching focusing on their hip and hamstrings by performing a straight leg swing.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand in a guarding stance with your hands up.
- When the instructor counts, swing your leg as high as you can.
- Focus on not bending your knee when going higher.
- Count 10 kicks on each side.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Twist Stretch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Twist Stretch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their DYNAMIC stretching focusing on their core by twisting side to side.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand up straight with feet shoulder width apart.
- Twist side to side trying to go as far as you can each side.
- Continue twisting for 10-15 seconds.
- Continue until you have done 2 sets.
Butterfly Stretch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Butterfly Stretch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their Partner stretching focusing on their hips while their instructor assists by pushing their knees a little lower.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit down with your knees bent and feet in.
- Touch the bottom of your feet together and hold your toes.
- You will lean forward lowering your head as far as you can go.
- Your partner will assist by pushing your back a little farther down.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Chest Stretch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Chest Stretch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their PARTNER stretching focusing on their chest by having an instructor gently pull their hands together behind their back while their arms are straight.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit with legs crossed.
- Extend your arms straight behind your back.
- Your instructor will gently pull your hands towards each other while slightly lifting up at the same time.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Sitting Hamstring Stretch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Sitting Hamstring Stretch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PARTNER stretching by sitting with their legs straight while an instructor gently pushes them lower.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit with both legs straight out to the front.
- Reach down towards your toes and go as far as you can without bending your knees.
- The instructor will apply gentle pressure to their back pushing them a little farther down.
- Continue until you have done 2 sets.
Straddle Stretch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Straddle Stretch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their PARTNER stretching focusing on their hips and hamstrings by sitting in split position and reaching forward while an instructor gently pushes them farther.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit in split position with both feet out to the sides, knees straight.
- Lean and reach as far forward as you can.
- The instructor will then apply gentle pressure to push you farther forward.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Kneeling Reach
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Kneeling Reach
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will practice their PASSIVE stretching, focusing on their upper shoulder and back.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Kneel down sitting on your knees and feet and place hands in your lap.
- Reach as far forward as your can and touch your chest to your knees.
- Keep your hips in contact with your feet while trying to extend your arms and body forward.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for three reps.
Pat your Back
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Pat your Back
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PASSIVE stretching focusing on their triceps.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Raise one hand, and bending at the elbow place the hand on the upper shoulder.
- Grasp the elbow with the opposite hand and hold
- Hold for 10 seconds each side.
Side Bends
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Side Bends
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PASSIVE stretching, focusing on their obliques and core.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Place hands on your hips.
- Bend sideways towards the floor at the waist.
- Hold for ten seconds.
Balloon Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Balloon Kicks
Equipment needed: One balloon per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will kick the balloon as many times as possible without letting the balloon go out of the ring.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group, set up a ring that is approximately the same size as a sparring ring.
- Select one person to go first.
- Explain the rules:
- You will kick the balloon and try not to let it go out of the ring.
- You will keep kicking the balloon using both feet.
- Count each kick as you kick the balloon.
- If the balloon goes out of the ring, then your turn is over.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
- You can make it a competition to see who can kick the balloon the most within the ring.
Castle Crasher
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Castle Crashers
Equipment needed: One kicking shield, 3 small square blocks per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their KICKING in this drill by kicking three stacked objects one at a time without knocking all the blocks over or putting their foot on the ground.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one kicking shield with 3 small square blocks stacked on top and one instructor to spot.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will perform a front kick chamber.
- Then they will kick the blocks one by one going from top to bottom.
- Be careful not to knock all the blocks over.
- Make sure they keep their head and knee high to have good balance.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chamber knee high.
- Try not to swing your leg when kicking.
- Kick carefully but not too slow.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
C-A-T, D-O-G
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: C-A-T, D-O-G
Equipment needed: Two focus mitts per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will punch the focus mitts as they spell the word “cat” and “dog.” This is a great drill for teaching the students how to spell while also learning how to punch.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Demonstrate the drill first by punching the focus mitts (alternating hands) while saying one letter per punch spelling the word c-a-t.
- The first time through the line, the instructor will say each letter and the students will punch the mitt while repeating each letter.
- The second time through the line, see if they can spell the word on their own.
- Repeat the drill spelling the word “dog.”
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- You can add variety to the drill by spelling other words too.
Dizzy Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Dizzy Kicks
Equipment needed: One kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will spin in a circle three times and then kick the pad.
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines.
- Line the students up on one end of the mat.
- On the other end, have an instructor hold a kicking target for each line.
- Explain the rules:
- You will race down the mat to the instructor.
- You will spin around three times.
- You will kick the target four times using both legs.
- Then you will race back to the end of the line.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- You can make it fun by making it a race to see which line is the fastest.
- You can make it even more challenging by placing a ring on the ground and having them spin within the ring.
Donkey Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Donkey Kicks
Equipment needed: 1 Kicking Shield Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: In this drill we will work on having good spatial awareness with their kicks by KICKING behind us and using the bottom of the foot.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- For each line have one instructor holding a kicking shield.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student in line will turn away from the instructor and drop to hands and knees.
- Then look over the right shoulder.
- You will then kick 5 times with the right leg trying to hit the pad.
- Do your #5 try to knock your instructor over when you kick!
- On round 2, use the other leg.
- Takeaways:
- Look in the same direction you are kicking.
- Remember to use the bottom of your foot.
- Yell loud when you kick!
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Don’t Drop the Cone
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Don’t Drop the Cone
Equipment needed: One kicking target and small cone per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will learn how to develop balance while kicking by balancing a cone on their head as they kick the target. This is a great way to teach them how to keep their head up while kicking.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines.
- The first student in line will balance a cone on his/ her head and kick the target three times without dropping the cone. You may need to hold some student’s hand to help them build better balance.
- Continue until each student has a turn
- Repeat the drill but let them do as many kicks as they can without dropping the cone or putting their leg down
- The goal is for each student to learn how to keep their head up while kicking.
Don’t Drop the Penny
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Don’t Drop the Penny
Equipment needed: Two pennies and a kicking target
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will hold a penny in each hand while they kick the target. This will teach them how to keep their fists tight and their hands up while they kick.
Steps:
- Explain to your students that a good Martial Artist can keep their fists tight and hands up while they kick.
- Show the students two pennies. Hold one penny in each hand and demonstrate how you can hold the pennies tight and kick the target.
- Have one student volunteer to go first. Place one penny in each of the student’s hands and tell him to hold them tight.
- Have him hold his hands up with his fists touching his cheek (this is the best way for them to learn how to hold their hands up) as shown in the picture.
- Have the student kick the target ten times, alternating legs, while holding the pennies tight.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Don’t Knock the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Don’t Knock the Pad
Equipment needed: 3 slammer pads per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will turn their body and side kick a slammer pad while kicking over a stack of slammer pads. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need two slammer pads stacked and an instructor holding a slammer pad on the other side of the stacked pads.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to start with your back facing the instructor’s slammer pad.
- You will turn and kick the pad with a side kick.
- You will do this four times, switching legs each time.
- Your goal is to kick the pad without your foot or knee hitting the stack of pads below your leg.
- Takeaways:
- Chamber high
- Make sure you’re-chamber
- Don’t swing your leg
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
- On the second turn, have the student start over if their foot hits the pad.
- On the third turn, make it a contest to see who can kick the pad four times in a row the fastest without their foot touching the pad.
Don’t Squish the Block
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Don’t Squish The Block
Equipment needed: 1 small block, 1 clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice kicking the pad while keeping their knee chambered in the air to build better leg strength by keeping the knee held up.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one block and one Instructor to hold the pad. It may be necessary to assist with their balance
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to place the kicking foot on the block without squishing it.
- Make sure your hands are up.
- Your goal is to kick the pad 3 times, then return your foot to the block without losing your balance or squishing the block.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your leg strong
- Chamber your knees high
- Control your foot
- Continue until each student has 3 turns
Elevator
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Elevator
Equipment needed: Three larger targets and one clapper target per line
Instructors needed:
Frog Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Frog Kicks
Equipment needed: 4 kicking shields, Clapper Pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their KICKING by being challenged to do so while frog jumping over pads before doing their kicks.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need four kicking shields evenly spaced with an instructor at the end holding a clapper target.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will squat all the way down like a frog.
- Then will jump over landing on both feet and then stand and perform front kicks two kicks.
- After the two kicks make sure the student squats all the way down before continuing.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chamber knee high.
- Try to hit with the top of your foot.
- Re-chamber you kick super tight.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Giant Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Giant Kicks
Equipment needed: 5 rings or spot dots per line.
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice KICKING by being able to kick and step down the mat. This will challenge the students physical stage of development by requiring the students to move forward as they’re kicking.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor with the rings set-up in stepping motion down the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will stand up facing the rings.
- The student will kick and put the kicking foot in the first ring.
- They will then use the other foot as they kick and move that foot to the next ring.
- They will continue this until they get to the end of the rings.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your knee high when you kick
- Re- Chamber so your foot is easy to move.
- Keep your head up as you kick.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Helping Each Other
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Helping Each Other
Equipment needed: Clapper target
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill, the students are going to practice their kicks by holding the target for each other.
Steps:
- Pair your students with a partner.
- Give one student the clapper target.
- The students will face each other and bow, shake hands with their right hand, and look each other in the eyes and say “do your best.”
- Next, the students will practice kicking the target by following these instructions:
- 1) One student will hold the clapper pad firmly with both hands
- 2) The partner will front kick the target five times
- 3) The student holding the pad will count loudly for each kick
- 4) After the 5th kick, the students will both say “finished sir/ ma’am”
- 5) The student will hand the target to his/ her partner and repeat the steps
- 6) When they are both finished helping each other, they will shake hands again, look each other in the eye, and say “good job.”
- Repeat the drill until everyone has at least two turns.
How Many?
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: How Many?
Equipment needed: 1 Kicking Shield Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice KICKING by demonstrating multiple alternating front kicks on kicking shield but they will have to constantly chase the instructor so they can kick the pad.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- Students will stand in a ring with the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will have 30 seconds to kick the bag as many times as possible.
- But the instructor is allowed to move around the ring.
- When the instructor moves the student must chase them and continue kicking.
- After 30 seconds the next student can come up and play.
- Takeaways:
- Knee so you can kick fast.
- Keep your eyes open so you can find the pad.
- Move fast so you can get the most kicks.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Hurdle Jumps with Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Hurdle Jumps w/Kicks
Equipment needed: 2 hurdles and a clapper target (per line)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill, the students are going to jump over hurdles that are spread far apart which will build their leg muscles.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines.
- Set up 2 hurdles that are spread at least 1 foot apart. Have an instructor on the other side of the hurdles holding a clapper target.
- The first student in each line will jump over the hurdles and then kick the target 10 times alternating legs.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- Repeat the drill 2 more times and spread the hurdles a little further apart each time.
Kick and Catch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kick and Catch
Equipment needed: 1 balloon per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will toss a balloon in the air, kick the balloon, and then catch it before it touches the ground. This will help the students build foot-eye-coordination, hand-eye-coordination, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a balloon.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to toss the balloon in the air, and then kick it.
- Once you kick it, you have to catch it.
- You will do this three times.
- Your goal is to kick the balloon high enough so that you can catch it before it touches the ground.
- Takeaways:
- Kick fast!
- Watch the balloon
- Keep your hands out
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Kick and Sit
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kick and Sit
Equipment needed: 1 kicking target and ring per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will kick the target ten times while keeping his or her feet in the ring. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a ring on the ground, and instructor holding a kicking target.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to stand in the ring.
- When I say “go” you will kick the target ten times and then sit in the ring.
- Your goal is to kick the target as quickly as possible without letting your feet touch out of the ring.
- Takeaways:
- Kick fast!
- Don’t swing your leg
- Keep your hands up
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
- On the second round, have the student start over if his or her feet touch outside of the ring.
- On the third round, make it a competition to see who is the fastest.
Kick Ball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kick Ball
Equipment needed: One small agility cone and one dodgeball (per line)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice their foot-eye- coordination by kicking the dodge ball at an instructor.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- Set up a kicking station with a small agility cone and dodgeball.
- Have an instructor or volunteer stand across the station to become a target.
- Explain the rules:
- Kick the ball towards the instructor.
- Every time you hit the instructor, he/ she will do 5 jumping jacks.
- You get three kicks with each foot.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see who can hit the instructor the most.
Kick by Number
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kick by Number
Equipment needed: Four Numbered Circle
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will run to the numbers in order and kick as many times as the number they are standing on. This is great for teaching them number recognition. This is also great for teaching them numbered order.
Steps:
- Lay out four numbered circles on the training deck.
- Show the students each of the numbered circles and see if they can recognize each number.
- Pick one student to go first. That student will run to number 1 and kick one time. Next, he’ll run to number 2 and kick two times. He will repeat the process for number 3 and 4 and then sit down
- Continue until each student has a turn
- On the second round, see if they can run to the numbers in “backwards” order. Some of the younger kids may need help with this, but this drill is exactly how they will learn how to count backwards.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
Kick Fast!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kick Fast!
Equipment needed: One Foam Sword
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice the early stages of kicking while walking, counting and striking a target.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, you will need an assistant with a foam sword.
- Explain the rules:
- You will kick as quickly as possible.
- When you kick, the assistant will try and chop your leg.
- You will kick three times with your right leg and then three times with your left leg.
- If the assistant chops your leg, then you must do three squat jumps.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- After the second time, have the student and assistant switch roles for even more fun.
Kick the Can
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kick the Can
Equipment needed: 2 Large soft Blocks, 2 Small Soft Blocks Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: In this drill we will work on their Spatial Awareness when KICKING by having the students alternate KICKING a large block and a small block forcing them to really focus on hitting their target and knowing where their foot is in relation to the blocks.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Place alternating Large and Small blocks on the floor, for a total of 4 blocks
- Have the students sit in a line in front of the blocks
- Explain the rules:
- The first student in each line will stand in a neutral stance, hands up protecting their face in front of the first pad.
- Using the Right leg, they will kick the first pad.
- Then step to the next pad (small) and kick that one with the same foot.
- Continue all the way until all the blocks have been hit.
- On round 2, use the other leg.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the block
- Don’t go too fast or you’ll miss the block
- Stay on your feet and don’t fall down
- Continue until everyone has had 2 turns.
Kicking While Counting
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kicking While Counting
Equipment needed: Dice
Instructors needed: One
Description: The students will roll a dice and then execute the same amount of kicks as the number on the dice while counting out loud.
Steps:
- Have the students make a circle.
- Pick one student to begin by rolling a dice.
- Explain the rules:
- You will roll the dice.
- When the dice lands on a number, you will say that number out loud.
- Then, you will begin counting out loud from 1 and kick on each number, all the way up to the number on the dice.
- Make sure you keep your hands up as you kick.
- Make sure you snap your knee on each kick.
- Make sure you use both legs.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
Kicking While Walking
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kicking While Walking
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice the early stages of kicking while walking.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- Have each line stand on one end of the training mat.
- Explain the rules:
- You will follow the three kicking rules.
- You will walk down the mat kicking while alternating legs.
- The goal is to kick on each step.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, have the students repeat the process but this time have them count out loud on each kick.
Kicking While Walking, Counting and Hitting a Target
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Kicking While Walking, Counting, and Hitting a Target
Equipment needed: Kicking Target
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice the early stages of kicking while walking, counting and striking a target.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- Have each line stand on one end of the training mat.
- Explain the rules:
- You will follow the three kicking rules.
- You will walk down the mat kicking a target while alternating legs.
- The goal is to kick on each step and count each kick.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Knock the Pads
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Knock the Pads
Equipment needed: 4 wave bag cushions or similar targets
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will learn how to work together by all kicking the pad at the same time, without being tricked by the instructor. This drill teaches the students great listening skills as they try not to make a mistake.
Steps:
- Set up 4 wave bag cushions.
- Have 4 students each stand in front of the wave bag cushions.
- Start with the common phrase: “On your marks, get set, …” then try and trick them with words that sound like go: snow, go fish, grow, row, etc.
- See if the student can recognize the wrong words. If all of the students do not kick the pads on the wrong words, then applaud their teamwork.
- Next, say “go” and see if they can all recognize the word and kick the pad. If they all kick the pads, applaud their teamwork.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns with a team.
- You can make it fun by doing 5 push-ups if they don’t make any mistakes.
Lazy Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Lazy Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will learn how to chamber by isolating that particular movement while lying on their backs. This will also improve body awareness, allowing them to begin to build leg strength.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups
- For each line you will need an Instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to lay on your back with your hands up
- Lift one knee up while leaving the other leg straight and on the floor.
- We will do 5 kicks without putting out kicking foot on the floor.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chamber knee high.
- Try not to swing your leg when kicking.
- Kick fast!
- Continue so that each student kicks with their left and right side.
- On the third turn you can make it a competition to see who can kick the fastest without dropping their foot.
Listen for your Number
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Listen for your Number
Equipment needed: Four numbered circles and 3 blocks
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will stand on a numbered circle. When you call their number, they will run to the middle of the deck and kick a stack of blocks over
Steps:
- Lay out four numbered circles on one end of the training deck and place a stack of blocks in the middle of the training deck.
- Assign one student to each number. If you have more than four students, you can split them into groups and have each group take turns.
- Make sure each student remembers his number.
- Explain that when you call out their number, they must run to the middle of the deck and kick the bottom block over. This will help them build focus with their feet too!
- Call out a random number. That student must run to the middle of the training deck and kick the stack of blocks over.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- The kids love this drill because they like knocking things over, so they’ll listen really well during this drill.
- You can make this drill even more challenging by having the students kick the middle block on the second round, and then see if they have the focus to only kick the top block on the third round.
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Marching Kicks
Equipment needed: 3 Small Obstacles
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their chambers by marching over small obstacles then kicking to build leg strength and motor skills.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each group you will need 3 small obstacles spaced a short distance apart.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to march over the obstacles lifting your knees up high.
- Once you are over each obstacle, you will kick the pad 2 times alternating legs.
- Takeaways:
- Pick your knees up
- Chamber your knees
- Take big steps
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Mouse and Cat Kicking
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Mouse and Cat Kicking
Equipment needed: Four kicking targets
Instructors needed: Four
Description: In this drill the students will play a challenging game with kicks. The students will chase each other around the mat, but they have to kick targets at each corner.
Steps:
- Assign one assistant to stand in each corner while holding a kicking target.
- Review the starting point and if you do not have rings on your mat, use cones to mark the boundaries they must run around.
- Explain the rules:
- One student will start the race, they are the mouse. Once the mouse finishes kicking the target in the first corner, then the next student, the cat, will start.
- The mouse and cat will race to each corner until they reach the last one.
- If the cat catches the mouse, then the race is over and they will switch roles.
- Continue until each student has a turn to be the mouse and the cat.
On the Number
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: On the Number
Equipment needed: Eight numbered circles
Instructors needed: One per Line
Description: In this drill the students will practice kicking while counting. Kicking is a fundamental skill that builds gross motor skills, and when you have the students count their kicks, their intellectual skills grow as well.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay down the numbered circles in order.
- Review each number with the students to identify which students know their numbers and which ones will need assistance.
- Explain the rules:
- You will step on circle number 1 and kick once, while counting out loud.
- Next you will step on circle number 2 and do 2 kicks using both legs, and then so forth up to number 8.
- If you do count your kicks correctly, then you must start over on that number.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn you can challenge them by mixing the numbers up.
Pad Breaks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Pad Breaks
Equipment needed: Two clapper targets per instructor
Instructors needed: Two
Description: In this drill the students are going to split two targets by controlling their kick with speed and aim.
Steps:
- Divide the students into two lines. Overlap two clapper targets.
- The first student in line will practice kicking with power by kicking the middle of the targets as fast as possible. If they kick the target fast enough and with good aim, the pads will make a loud snapping sound.
- Continue until each student has a turn. Make sure you teach each student how speed and aim increases power.
- You can change the drill to punches.
Ring Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Ring Kicks
Equipment needed: 2 Rings Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will demonstrate KICKING by demonstrating their ability show a proper front kick while also focusing on kicking through a ring.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- Have an instructor holding 2 different color rings.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the instructor.
- When the instructor calls out one of the ring colors the students will do a front kick through that ring.
- The goal is for the student to do 5 kicks in a row without hitting the ring or kicking the wrong color.
- Takeaways:
- Knee up so you can kick fast.
- Eyes open to see the rings
- Aim for the middle of the ring.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Sandwich
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Sandwich
Equipment needed: 2 slammer targets
Instructors needed: Two per line
Description: In this drill the student will practice knowing their left and right leg by kicking slammer targets.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have two instructors each hold a slammer target and have them face each other approximately 4 feet apart (per line). You can use students to help if you do not have enough instructors.
- The first student in each line will stand in between the instructors.
- The instructor will call out “left” or “right” and the student must kick the appropriate slammer target.
- If the student kicks the wrong target, then the instructors will squish the student like a sandwich.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- Repeat the drill by calling out combinations such as: “left-left-right.???
Side Stepping and Kicking
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Side Stepping and Kicking
Equipment needed: Small items to step on (feet in picture available through Century catalog)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice the early stages of stepping side-to-side while kicking.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay out some small objects (in pairs) that are one small step away and side-to-side.
- Explain the rules:
- Your lead leg will kick and then step to the next pair of objects, landing on the outside object.
- As you step onto each object with your lead leg, the back led will step on the inside object.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Sideways Challenge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Sideways Challenge
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer pad per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice KICKING by being able to demonstrate a kick that is above their stage of development. This will challenge the students physical stage of development by requiring them to do a kick with different chambers and foot position.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding the pad for each student.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up with their shoulder facing towards the instructor.
- When the instructor counts, the students will demonstrate a side kick trying to keep their toes sideways.
- The students will do 5 kicks on each side.
- Takeaways:
- Keep you knee high when you kick.
- Don’t hit with your toes up.
- Keep your eyes open and looking at where you’re kicking.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Spot the Color
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Spot the Color
Equipment needed: Several different color rings
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the instructor will call out several colors and the students will spot the colored rings in order by running to the ring and doing a front kick in the middle of the ring.
Steps:
- Spread several different colored rings around the mat. As you are tossing the rings, have your students say the colors.
- Pick one student to go first. You will call out two colors, and the student will run to each color and do one front kick, punch, or block with each leg.
- Continue until each student has a turn
- Continue until each student has a turn with both legs
- On the second round, call out three colors. Some of the newer and younger students may have a hard time remembering the order of three colors so you may need to help them by giving clues. For example: the next color is the color of a banana.
Squeeze the Block
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Squeeze the Block
Equipment needed: 1 small square block / 1 clapper pad
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice KICKING by demonstrating their ability to hold a chamber position before they kick. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to hold one foot off the ground for an extended period of time.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have an instructor holding the pads at the front of the line.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the instructor.
- The student will chamber their leg in a front kick position.
- Once there the instructor will place a small pad, in between their chamber position.
- The student must hold the pad for 5 seconds at the end of time they will kick the clapper pad.
- Takeaways:
- Kick the pad as strong as you can.
- Hold your chamber as high as you can.
- Don’t drop the pad until after time.
- Continue until each student gets 2 turns.
Stay in the Ring
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Stay in the Ring
Equipment needed: One clapper target and one ring per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will build balance on one leg by kicking a clapper target without putting their foot down or hopping out of the ring. This is a great drill for building balance and increasing leg strength.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups.
- Pick one student to go first. See how many kicks they can do without putting their foot down or hopping out of the ring.
- For reference:
- 3 to 5 jumps is average
- 6 to 9 is above average
- Over 10 is excellent
- Continue until each student has a turn with both legs.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see who can do as many kicks as possible without falling.
Super Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: Super Kicks
Equipment needed: 4 Rings per Line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice KICKING by demonstrating their ability to do multiple sets of kicks. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to use their lower body muscles more than they normally do.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the 4 rings in every corner of a square.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the 1st ring.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will run to the 1st ring and do 3 kicks.
- When they finish they will continue to the next ring and do 3 more, they will continue this until they finish each ring.
- On round 2 bump the reps up to 5 kicks per ring.
- Takeaways:
- Run as fast as you can to the rings.
- Chamber on every kick that you do.
- Kick strong even if you’re tired.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
You Kick, I Kick
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: KICKING
Drill: You Kick, I Kick
Equipment needed: 1 clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will take turns kicking the target and holding the target. This is a great drill to teach them how to play fair with each other.
Steps:
- Pair your students up with a partner. If you have more than 3 pairs, split the pairs into lines so that they do not have too much down time.
- Explain the rules:
- You will hold the target for your partner and he/ she will kick the pad.
- You will hand the pad to your partner and you will do a kick
- The students will kick back and forth ten times.
- Continue until each pair has at least two turns.
- Make sure you also use the same protocol when holding targets for each other:
- First, bow to your partner
- Look them in the eyes and shake hands while saying: “Do your best”!
- Say “thank you” when your partner hands you the pad.
- When you are both done, bow to each other, look them in the eyes and say: “Good job”!
- Takeaways:
- Chamber high
- Make sure you’re-chamber
- Don’t swing your leg
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Aim for the Middle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Aim for the Middle
Equipment needed: Eight focus mitts
Instructors needed: Four (you can use students)
Description: In this drill the students will stand surrounded by instructors holding focus mitts in each hand. The student will go from instructor to instructor punching each instructor’s mitts four times while they work on developing gross motor skills in their arms and learning how to control their punches.
Steps:
- Have four instructors make a circle while sitting on their knees and holding focus mitts in each hand as shown in the picture. If you are short on instructors, use the students, but make sure you teach them how to hold the mitts properly.
- Explain to the students age-specific mechanics of punching the mitts:
- Make a tight fist.
- Tuck your thumb over your fingers to keep your fist tight.
- Punch in a straight line.
- Hit the mitts with your first two knuckles.
- Have the first student stand in the middle of the circle. When you say “go” the student will go from instructor to instructor and punch each mitt four times, alternating hands.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- The goal of this drill is consistency in their punches. As the go from instructor to instructor, they must continue to punch the proper way.
Army Punching
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Army Punching
Equipment needed: 6 cones, 3 bars, one punching pad
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will build upper body strength by crawling under the bars and then repeatedly punching the pads.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need six cones with bars through the top most hole. Spread these about two feet apart. The instructor will be at the opposite end from the students.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to crawl under the first bar, perform 2 punches.
- Continue until the end.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your bottom down.
- Keep your legs together.
- Punch fast.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Balloon Punching
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Balloon Punching
Equipment needed: One balloon per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will punch the balloon as many times as possible without letting the balloon fall to the ground.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups with no more than four students per group.
- For each group, set up a ring that is approximately the same size as a sparring ring.
- Select one person to go first.
- Explain the rules:
- You will punch the balloon in the air, staying inside of the ring, and not letting the balloon touch the ground.
- You will keep punching the balloon using both hands.
- Count each punch as you hit the balloon.
- If the balloon touches the ground, then your turn is over.
- Try to punch the balloon ten times before it touches the ground or goes out of the ring.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
- You can make it a competition to see who can punch the balloon the most within the ring.
C-A-T, D-O-G
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: C-A-T, D-O-G
Equipment needed: Two focus mitts per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will punch the focus mitts as they spell the word “cat” and “dog.” This is a great drill for teaching the students how to spell while also learning how to punch.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Demonstrate the drill first by punching the focus mitts (alternating hands) while saying one letter per punch spelling the word c-a-t.
- The first time through the line, the instructor will say each letter and the students will punch the mitt while repeating each letter.
- The second time through the line, see if they can spell the word on their own.
- Repeat the drill spelling the word “dog.”
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- You can add variety to the drill by spelling other words too.
Clock Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Clock Punches
Equipment needed: 1 colored ring per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill students will work on developing spatial awareness with their hands and eyes by having to punch through a ring that is moving back and forth without touching the ring.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- For each line have 1 instructor holding the ring
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will swing the ring back and forth in a slow motion.
- Every time the instructor counts punch through the center of the moving ring.
- Continue for 3 punches.
- Do your best to alternate hands every time.
- Takeaways:
- Keep an eye on the moving ring
- Punch with tight fists
- Keep your hands up when you punch
- Continue until everyone has 2-3 turns.
Color Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Color Punches
Equipment needed: 2 punching mitts per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill students will be working on PUNCHING while spelling their favorite colors.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have each instructor hold mitts for punches.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will say a color
- Then the students will spell the color.
- For every letter of the color, do 1 punch.
- Ex. R – Punch, E – Punch, D – Punch (for the color red)
- Takeaways:
- Keep your hands up when PUNCHING.
- Keep your fist tight.
- Aim for the middle of the pad.
- Continue until everyone has 2-3 turns.
Criss Cross Punch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Criss Cross Punch
Equipment needed: 2 squeaker targets per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill we will work on developing spatial awareness with our hands by PUNCHING 2 targets at the same time as the get closer to each other and eventually overlap making students cross the vertical plane.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have one instructor hold a squeaker target in each hand.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will first hold the 2 targets for punches, held a little wider than students’ shoulder width.
- The student will then punch with both hands at the same time, 3 times.
- Then the instructor will move the pads closer together until in line with students’ shoulders.
- The student will then punch again with both hands, 3 times.
- Finally, the instructor will cross the pads (forming an X with their arms).
- The student will then punch across the vertical plane hitting both targets 3 times.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to hit with BOTH hands each time.
- Keep you eyes on your target.
- Yell loud when you punch
- Continue until everyone has 2 turns.
Dizzy Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Dizzy Punches
Equipment needed: Two focus mitts and one ring per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will spin in a circle three times and then punch the focus mitts.
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines with no more than four students per line.
- Line the students up on one end of the mat.
- On the other end, have an instructor hold focus mitts for each line and lay a ring in front of the instructor as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- You will race down the mat to the ring.
- You will spin around three times while staying inside of the ring.
- You will kick the ring four times using both hands.
- Then you will race back to the end of the line.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- You can make it fun by making it a race to see which line is the fastest.
Don’t Drop the Penny
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Don’t Drop the Penny
Equipment needed: Don’t Drop the Penny
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will hold a penny in each hand while they kick the target. This will teach them how to keep their fists tight and their hands up while they kick.
Steps:
- Explain to your students that a good Martial Artist can keep their fists tight and hands up while they kick.
- Show the students two pennies. Hold one penny in each hand and demonstrate how you can hold the pennies tight and kick the target.
- Have one student volunteer to go first. Place one penny in each of the student’s hands and tell him to hold them tight.
- Have him hold his hands up with his fists touching his cheek (this is the best way for them to learn how to hold their hands up) as shown in the picture.
- Have the student kick the target ten times, alternating legs, while holding the pennies tight.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Drop Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Drop Punches
Equipment needed: One long block, one ring
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their PUNCHING in this drill by dropping on their stomach showing good punches while also developing back strength.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- You will need one ring attached to the block through which the students will punch.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will start by standing tall.
- When the instructor says“drop”, the students will drop down and lay on their stomach.
- While on their stomach they will lift their head & do 2 punches through the ring.
- Then they will stand up and keep going until they do it 3 times.
- Takeaways:
- Try to hold your head up the entire time.
- Punch straight each time to not hit the ring.
- Keep your hand tight for each punch.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Duck the Sword
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Duck the Sword
Equipment needed: 1 Mitt & Foam Noodle Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice PUNCHING by demonstrating their ability to duck under a noodle and return fire with a punch. This will challenge their physical and intellectual stages of development by requiring the students to time the noodle and fire back with a strong punch.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding the pads for each student.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand in their guarding stance facing the instructor.
- When the instructor swings the noodle at the student’s head, the student must duck the noodle.
- Once the noodle is clear the student will stand up straight and punch the instructor’s mitt.
- The student will alternate punches for 10 swings then go to the end of their line.
- Takeaways:
- Keep fists as tight as you can.
- Make sure you move your head out of the way.
- Hit the target in the middle for the best results.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Hand Smacks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Hand Smacks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will practice their punches by hitting the instructor’s hand. This will help the students build good hand-eye- coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- I am going to hold up my hand and call out either your right or left punch.
- You will punch my hand and yell as you punch.
- Your goal is to punch my hand while also focusing on chambering your other hand.
- On the second turn, have the student say which hand they are punching with.
- On the third turn, make it a contest to see who can get as many punches in a row correctly without making a mistake.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your hands up.
- Punch with the first 2 knuckles.
- Punch fast.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Helping Each Other
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Helping Each Other
Equipment needed: Clapper Target
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: “When you help each other, you can have a lot of fun doing so. In this drill, you are going to practice your kicks by holding the target for each other.”
Steps:
- Ask your student’s to sit quietly on the deck. Have two students stand up and face each other. Give one student the clapper target.
- The students will face each other and bow, shake hands with their right hand, and look each other in the eyes and say “do your best.”
- Next, the students will practice kicking the target by following these instructions:
- 1) One student will hold the clapper pad firmly with both hands
- 2) The partner will front kick the target five times
- 3) The student holding the pad will count loudly for each kick
- 4) After the 5th kick, the students will both say “finished sir/ ma’am”
- 5) The student will hand the target to his/ her partner and repeat the steps
- 6) When they are both finished helping each other, they will shake hands again, look each other in the eye, and say “good job.”
- Repeat the drill until everyone has a turn. Make sure you emphasize that they are helping each other.
How Many Fingers
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Knock the Block
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Knock the Block
Equipment needed: 4 wave bag cushions and 4 blocks
Instructors needed: Two
Description: In this drill the students will learn how to punch things in order by following the commands “first” and “second.” This is a great drill to test their memory to see if they can remember what comes first, and what comes second.
Steps:
- Divide your class into two lines on one end of the training deck.
- On the opposite end, place two wave bag cushions directly across from each line with a block on top of each cushion as shown in the picture.
- The first student from each line will race to punch the blocks off the cushion, but must punch them in the correct order. For example, the instructor will say “Punch the o first and x second,” or “Punch the o second and x first.”
- The goal is to see if they can remember what order they must punch the blocks. By making it a race, it challenges their memory even more.
- Repeat the drill until every student has at least two turns.
Knock the Pads
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Knock the Pads
Equipment needed: 4 wave bag cushions or similar targets
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will learn how to work together by all kicking the pad at the same time, without being tricked by the instructor. This drill teaches the students great listening skills as they try not to make a mistake.
Steps:
- Set up 4 wave bag cushions as shown in the picture.
- Have 4 students each stand in front of the wave bag cushion facing the middle as shown in the picture.
- Explain to your students a few details about the drill:
- Listen carefully for the word “go”
- Don’t get tricked by words that sound like “go”
- Start with the common phrase: “On your marks, get set, …” then try and trick them with words that sound like go: snow, go fish, grow, row, etc.
- See if the student can recognize the wrong words. If all of the students do not kick the pads on the wrong words, then applaud their teamwork.
- Next, say “go” and see if they can all recognize the word and kick the pad. If they all kick the pads, applaud their teamwork.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns with a team.
- You can make it fun by doing 5 push-ups if they don’t make any mistakes.
On the Number
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: On the Number
Equipment needed: Four numbered circles
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice punching while counting. Punching is a fundamental skill that builds gross motor skills, and when you have the students count their punches, their intellectual skills grow as well.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, lay down the numbered circles in order as shown in the picture.
- Review each number with the students to identify which students know their numbers and which ones will need assistance.
- Explain the rules:
- You will step on circle number 1 and punch once, while counting out loud.
- Next you will step on circle number 2 and do 2 punches using both arms, and then so forth up to number 4.
- If you do not count your punches correctly, then you must start over on that number.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn you can challenge them by mixing the numbers up.
Pad Punch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Pad Punch
Equipment needed: Three wave bag cushions or chairs, and three pads or punching blocks.
Instructors needed: One
Description: “Did you know that practicing your memory is exercise for your brain? The more you practice remembering things, the smarter you get! In this drill we are going to exercise our brain by punching pads.”
Steps:
- Set up three wave bag cushions side by side and spaced at least three feet apart from each other.
- Place a pad on top of each cushion. The pad on the left cushion is pad #1; the pad on the middle is pad #2; and the pad on the right is pad #3.
- Have the students sit quietly facing the cushions. Pick the student that is sitting the best to go first.
- You will say the numbers out of order. For example: “2, 1, 3.” The student will punch the pads off the cushion in the order that you said.
- Continue until everyone has at least two turns.
- You can repeat the drill with various strikes such as back fist, knife hand strike, and palm strike.
Pass the Line
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Pass the Line
Equipment needed: 3 to 4 small square targets, tape (or white belts)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice controlling their power by striking a target over the line. This drill will build gross motor skills and focus as well.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines with no more than 4 per line. Using masking tape or a white belt mark a line that is approximately 3-steps away from the start of each line.
- For each line the instructor will have the first student stand up in a guarding stance. The instructor will hold the small target at striking distance from the student as shown in the picture.
- The student will strike the target with a punch with good power so that the target flies over the line that is marked 3-steps away. Give the student three shots to strike the target over the line.
- Repeat the drill until every student has at least two turns.
- To make the drill fun, switch roles and have the students hold up the targets as the instructors strike the targets with great power.
Pass the Ring
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Pass The Ring
Equipment needed: 2 colored rings
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will learn to punch straight by punching through progressively smaller spaces which will also start to improve spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each line you will need an Instructor with two colored rings.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to hold the rings so that they overlap with a large gap in the middle.
- The student must do 3 alternating punches through the middle space.
- Then, we will make the space half the original size, and they must do three more punches.
- Repeat this process until the space is really small.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your hands up.
- Punch straight.
- Watch where you hit.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Pop the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Pop the Pad
Equipment needed: 1 Clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Students will stand in front of the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will have their hands up.
- The instructor will hold the clapper pad in front of the students the handle should face the ceiling.
- When the students punch the pad that should allow the pad to travel up and the instructor will stop the pad before it comes back down.
- They will then randomly drop the pad down for the students to punch.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your hands up tp have fast punches.
- Keep your eyes on the pad the whole time.
- Aim for the pad, try not to miss.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Popper Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Popper Punches
Equipment needed: 1 Clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice PUNCHING by demonstrating powerful punches on a pad, trying to make the pad pop everytime they hit it. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to put power on all of their punches.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the instructor in fort of the line holding the pad.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up facing the instructor.
- The student will do 5 punches on the instructors count.
- The student wants to make every punch makes a popping noise when it hits the pad.
- The only way to do that is to use a lot of power on each punch.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes in the pad everytime you punch.
- Hit the pad as hard as you can.
- Keep your hands up for the entire game.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Pull Back
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Pull Back
Equipment needed: 1 foam noodle per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice retracing their punches in this game by not allowing the instructors to chop their arms. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to move quickly without getting hit.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the instructor in front of the students with their noodle.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will stand up and face the instructor.
- The student will then hold out one arm in a punching position.
- The instructor will raise the noodle over their head, and when the instructor says “GO” they will try and chop the students arms.
- If the student can pull their hand back to their side without getting hit, they earn 1 point.
- The student will get to do 5 punches so they want to try and get all 5 points.
- Takeaways:
- Watch the noodle so you don’t let it hit you.
- Move your hands as fast as you can.
- Put your hands to your side when you’re done.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Punch and Sit
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punch and Sit
Equipment needed: One punching target and ring per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will punch the target four times and then sit in the ring. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a ring on the ground, and instructor holding punching mitts.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to stand in the ring.
- When I say “go” you will punch the target four times and then sit in the ring.
- On the second round, have the students punch while the instructor calls out the left of right hand.
- On the third round, have the student punch six times as quickly as possible and then sit.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your hands up.
- Punch fast!
- Sit Strong.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Punch Ball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punch Ball
Equipment needed: One wave bag cushion, small agility cone, and dodgeball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice their hand-eye-coordination by hitting a dodge ball at an instructor.
Steps:
- Explain to the students some age-appropriate punching tips:
- Make a tight fist.
- Hit the target with the top of your knuckles.
- Watch where you are punching.
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- Set up a punching station with a wave master cushion, small agility cone, and dodge ball as shown in the picture.
- Have an instructor or volunteer stand across the station to become a target as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- Punch the ball towards the instructor.
- Every time you hit the instructor, he/ she will do 5 jumping jacks.
- You get three punches with each hand.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see who can hit the instructor the most.
Punch by Number
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punch by Number
Equipment needed: Four numbered circles
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will run to the numbers in order and kick as many times as the number they are standing on. This is great for teaching them number recognition. This is also great for teaching them numbered order.
Steps:
- Lay out four numbered circles on the training deck as shown in the pictures.
- Show the students each of the numbered circles and see if they can recognize each number.
- Pick one student to go first. That student will run to number 1 and kick one time. Next, he’ll run to number 2 and kick two times. He will repeat the process for number 3 and 4 and then sit down.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, see if they can run to the numbers in “backwards” order. Some of the younger kids may need help with this, but this drill is exactly how they will learn how to count backwards.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- You can add variety to the drill by having them try another kick such as a “flying ninja kick” or even strikes and blocks such as palm strikes and high blocks.
Punch Fast!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punch Fast!
Equipment needed: One foam sword and a punching target.
Instructors needed: Two per line
Description: In this drill the students will have fun practicing their punches. The students will punch while the assistant tries to chop their arm with a foam sword. This is a fun drill that also acts as a good social building drill between the assistant and the student.
Steps:
- Explain to the students some age-appropriate tips for punching:
- Make a tight fist.
- Watch where you are punching.
- Pull your other hand tight to your chin.
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, you will need an assistant with a foam sword and an assistant holding a punching target as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- You will punch as quickly as possible.
- When you punch, the assistant will try and chop your arm.
- You will punch three times with your right arm and then three times with your left arm.
- If the assistant chops your arm, then you must do three squat jumps.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- After the second time, have the student and assistant switch roles for even more fun.
Punch the Block
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punch the Block
Equipment needed: 1 Wavemaster top & 1 small block per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice their Punching by learning to follow through on their punches. The goal is to punch straight to the block is easy to catch for your instructor.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines.
- For each line set one small block on top of a Wavemaster top..
- Explain the rules:
- When the Instructor counts you will punch as hard as you can.
- Hit the block with a straight punch so that the pad flies straight ahead.
- Try to get the pad to your instructor without it hitting the ground.
- Each student will get 3 chances to punch straight.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your hands up to protect your face.
- Be sure to punch fast, because slow punches aren’t strong!
- Do your best to hit the middle of the pad.
- Continue until each student has at least 2 turns.
Punch the Castle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punch The Castle
Equipment needed: 3 wavemaster pads, 3 large cones, 3 punching targets per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice punching straight to be able to knock down the castle built of cones. This drill will help build spatial awareness as well as a sense of power and coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need 3 wavemaster pads set up in a small triangle formation. On top of each pad is a large cone to form the “Castle”. The instructor will be two steps away holding the small punching targets for the students.
- Explain the rules:
- You have 3 chances to knock down as much of the castle as possible.
- Remember to punch straight so that the pad will fly and hit the castle.
- If you can knock down all three cones you win.
- Takeaways:
- Hit the center of the pad.
- Hit strong and fast.
- Keep a tight fist.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Punching While Counting
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punching While Counting
Equipment needed: Dice and two focus mitts per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will roll a dice and then execute the same amount of punches as the number on the dice while counting out loud.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines with no more than four students per line.
- Pick one student to begin by rolling a dice.
- Explain the rules:
- You will roll the dice.
- When the dice lands on a number, you will say that number out loud.
- Then, you will begin counting out loud from 1 and punch the focus mitt on each number, all the way up to the number on the dice.
- Make sure you keep your hands up as you punch.
- Make sure you keep your fists tight.
- Make sure you pull your other arm to your side as you punch.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Punching While Striking a Target
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punching While Striking a Target
Equipment needed: Small ring
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice the early stages of punching while striking the target. Many children within this age group have a hard time striking the target with the correct part of their hand. They have a tendency of swinging their punch, thus hitting the target with the wrong part of their fist. This drill will show you how to introduce the fundamentals of punching while at the same time striking a target.
Steps:
- Explain to the students some age-appropriate punching tips as it applies to striking a target:
- Make a tight fist.
- Punch forward towards the target.
- Watch where you are punching.
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line. For each line you will have an instructor hold a striking target.
- Explain the rules:
- You will follow the three punching rules.
- You will punch the target five times with your right hand, and then five times with your left hand. (This way the instructor can correct the same hand a few times in a row.)
- The goal is to punch the target with the front of the knuckles.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, have the student’s alternate hands.
- It is important that the instructor helps each student maintain technique on each punch and corrects the student if they make a mistake.
Punching While Walking and Counting
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Punching While Walking and Counting
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice the early stages of punching while walking and counting. Many children within this age group have a hard time punching while walking, alternating arms, all while counting. They have a tendency of favoring their dominant arm. At the same time, when they focus on punching and walking, they lose technique. This drill will show you how to put all of the components together for punching while walking and counting.
Steps:
- Explain to the students some age-appropriate punching tips:
- Keep your fists tight.
- Pull your other arm tight to your side.
- Watch where you are punching.
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- Have each line stand on one end of the training mat.
- Explain the rules:
- You will follow the three punching rules.
- You will walk down the mat punching with both arms.
- The goal is to punch on each step and count each punch.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
- It is important that the instructor helps each student maintain technique on each punch and corrects the student if they make a mistake.
Ring Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Ring Punches
Equipment needed: 2 punching rings (per line)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice knowing their left and right hand by punching through rings.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines with no more than 4 per line.
- Set up 2 punching rings per line. Have an instructor stand next to the punching rings for each line.
- The first student in each line will stand in front of the punching rings. The instructor will call out “left” or “right” and the student must punch through the appropriate ring.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- Repeat the drill by calling out combinations such as: “left-left-right.”
- Make sure that you emphasize using their retraction hand when punching, and yelling loud on each punch.
Ring Punches v.2
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Ring Punches v.2
Equipment needed: Small ring
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice punching through a ring while counting. Punching is a fundamental skill that builds gross motor skills, and when you have the students count their punches, their intellectual skills grow as well.
Steps:
- Explain to the students some age-appropriate tips for punching:
- Make a tight fist.
- Watch where you are punching.
- Pull your other hand tight to your chin.
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, you will need to hold a small ring chest level, or set it up on a stand as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call out a number 1 thru 8. You will have to punch through the ring (using both arms) up to that number.
- If you do not count your punches correctly, or if you hit the ring with your hand, then you must start over on that number.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Robot Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Robot Punches
Equipment needed: 1 small square block per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their PUNCHING in this drill by using two hands to develop proper punches and speed.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a small square block.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will hold the block.
- The student will start with one punch on the block.
- They must quickly retract one hand while punching the block with the other.
- Continue for 10 punches.
- Takeaways:
- Try to hit the pad with the front of your fist.
- Keep your retraction hands close to your body.
- Punch fast & stop fast.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Spot the Color
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Spot the Color
Equipment needed: Several different color rings
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the instructor will call out several colors and the students will spot the colored rings in order by running to the ring and doing a front kick in the middle of the ring.
Steps:
- Spread several different colored rings around the mat. As you are tossing the rings, have your students say the colors.
- Pick one student to go first. You will call out two colors, and the student will run to each color and do one front kick, punch, or block with each leg.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, call out three colors. Some of the newer and younger students may have a hard time remembering the order of three colors so you may need to help them by giving clues. For example: the next color is the color of a banana.
Taking Turns Punching
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Taking Turns Punching
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The student will take turns punching while standing in a circle. This will help them build good social skills as they take turns.
Steps:
- Have your students make a circle.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to take turns punching.
- As I call your name, you will punch and yell as you punch.
- You must wait for me to call your name before you punch.
- On the second turn, have the students do two punches.
- On the third turn, have the students do three punches.
- Takeaways:
- Count Loud.
- Keep your hands up.
- Punch strong.
Washing Machines
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: PUNCHING
Drill: Washing Machines
Equipment needed: 1 Clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice PUNCHING by being able to demonstrate a punch that is above their stage of development. This will challenge them physically by incorporating different angles and movements to their punches.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding the pads for each student.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will stand in a parallel stance.
- The student will throw alternating hook punches on the instructors count.
- The students are aiming to hit the pad, which should be held in the center of the student’s chest.
- Takeaways:
- Make your arm into a hook!
- Keep your fist as tight as you can.
- Hit the pad as hard as you can.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Army Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Army Blocks
Equipment needed: 6 cones, 3 bars, one punching pad
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will build upper body strength by crawling under the bars and then repeatedly blocking.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need six cones with bars through the top most hole. Spread these about two feet apart. The instructor will be at the opposite end from the students.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to crawl under the first bar, perform 2 blocks.
- Repeat until you reach the end and perform 2 more blocks.
- Takeaways:
- Crawl fast and strong.
- Block fast.
- Keep your legs straight.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Battle Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Battle Blocks
Equipment needed: 2 Small Square Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating that they can middle block to both sides of their body. This will challenge the students physical and mental stages of development as they must randomly demonstrate the rapid blocks.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need six cones with bars through the top most hole. Spread these about two feet apart. The instructor will be at the opposite end from the students.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to crawl under the first bar, perform 2 blocks.
- Repeat until you reach the end and perform 2 more blocks.
- Takeaways:
- Crawl fast and strong.
- Block fast.
- Keep your legs straight.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Blindfold Block
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Blindfold Block
Equipment needed: 1 blindfold per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will demonstrate a high block, muscle block, and low block while blindfolded. This will help them build good listening skills as most children this age are still in a visual stage of development.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a blindfold and an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- I am going to put a blindfold on you.
- I will call out a high block, muscle block, or low block and you must perform the correct move.
- Your goal is to perform all three blocks without making a mistake.
- Takeaways:
- Listen for the block.
- Block fast
- Keep your hands up.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
- On the second turn, call out a left and right high block.
- On the third turn, call out left and right blocks at random.
Board the Ship
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Board the Ship
Equipment needed: 6 Small Square pads & 3 Slammer pads per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating that they can do multiple blocks while standing on an unstable object. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to do strong blocks while also controlling their balance so that they do not fall off the pads.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student will stand up and face the pads which are spaced 3’ apart going down the mat.
- The student will do their first jump on to the slammer pad.
- Once the student is on the pad the instructor will throw 2 small square targets at them.
- The students must block the pads then advance on to the next pad, the process will continue until they complete all the pads.
- The goal is to make it across the “water” without falling, if they fall then they must restart.
- But if they tag the instructor then they earn 1 ninja point.
- Takeaways:
- Take big jumps to each pad.
- Keep your eyes on the pads.
- Do your best to not fall.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Count the Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Count the Blocks
Equipment needed: 4 colored spots
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice how to block by hopping to each spot progressively performing more and more blocks. This drill will also reinforce multitasking and counting skills as they will have to count and block at the same time.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an Instructor and 4 colored spots, preferably with numbers.
- Explain the rules:
- You will hop onto the first spot and count out 1 block.
- Then hop to the next spot and count out 2 blocks.
- Continue until you reach the fourth spot.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Keep your hands by your side.
- Block fast.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Elevator Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Elevator Blocks
Equipment needed: 3 kicking shields per line
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice blocking while standing on top of pads. This will teach them how to balance as well as engaging core, leg, and balance muscles.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need 3 kicking shields.
- Explain the rules:
- Level 1, they will step up onto a single kicking shield and perform 2 blocks.
- Level 2, use 2 kicking shields and perform 2 blocks without falling off the pad.
- Level 3, use 3 shields and perform 2 blocks without falling off the pad.
- It may be necessary that the instructor spot the student on levels 2-3 so that they do not get hurt if/when they fall.
- Takeaways:
- Stand strong.
- Block strong.
- Keep your head high.
- Continue until each student has two turns. On the second turn have the student perform 3 blocks on each level.
Freeze the Cone
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Freeze the Cone
Equipment needed: 1 small cone per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating their ability to hold a high block in the proper position. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to hold their arm high for an extended period of time.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the instructor facing each line with their pad.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the instructor.
- The student will demonstrate their best high block trying their best to keep their arm frozen.
- The instructor will then place the small pad on their arm and the student will try to hold the pad for 5 seconds without letting it fall.
- If the student can do 5 seconds on round 2 have them try 10!
- Takeaways:
- Don’t wiggle so the pad won’t fall.
- Keep your arm high don’t let it fall.
- Keep a tight fist the entire time.
- Continue until each student gets 2 turns.
Jumping Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Jumping Blocks
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer pad / Foam noodle per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating their ability to multiple jumps and blocks. This will challenge the students physically by challenging the strength of their legs.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the slammer pad with the instructor in-front.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the instructor.
- When the instructor counts the student will jump on top of the slammer pad and demonstrate 1 high block.
- The student will then jump off and repeat this process alternating arms each jump.
- Continue until the student reaches 10 blocks.
- Takeaways:
- Knees up so you can land on the pad.
- Have a strong block!
- Yell loud to be stronger.
- Continue until each student gets 2 turns.
Lit Off
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Lift Off
Equipment needed: 1 Soft Noodle Per Line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will build good BLOCKING skills by learning the proper motion for a high block by using their forearm to lift the noodle off their nose and above their heads.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one instructor with a noodle.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will hold the noodle on your nose.
- You must hold your hands by your side to chamber for your block.
- Then raise one arm in front of your face to lift the noodle over your head.
- Each ninja will do this 10 times.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure you are raising your arm up and not to the side.
- Keep both eyes open so that you can see what you’re doing.
- Try to remember to keep your other arm by your side.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Move the Noodles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Move the Noodle
Equipment needed: 1 Noodle Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will demonstrate their BLOCKING by trying to move a noodle that is in front of them to the side of their body. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to move their arms from 1 side of their body to the other.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the instructor holding a noodle.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will stand up and face the instructor.
- The instructor will hold th noodle out towards the students chest.
- The student will then demonstrate a middle block moving the noodle to one side of their body.
- They will do this 5 time alternating arms before going to the end of the line.
- On round 2 see if they can go to 10 blocks.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to get your arm under the noodle
- Eyes open and look forward the whole time
- Block fast to move the noodle out of the way
- Continue until each student has multiple turns.
Ninja Circle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Ninja Circle
Equipment needed: One number dot (per student)
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will work on their BLOCKING by taking turns to lead a group through blocks.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need number dots for each student spread around the circle face down.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will run and pick up a number dot and bring it back to the circle.
- They will then lead the group through however many blocks is on the number dot.
- Whoever had the best blocks gets to pick the next number.
- Takeaways:
- Switch hands with each block.
- Count every rep super loud.
- Hold blocking hands high and chamber hands tight.
- Continue until each student has 1 turn.
Pad Drop Challenge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Pad Drop Challenge
Equipment needed: Three small targets per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will block targets that are dropped from above. This will help the students build hand-eye-coordination and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need three small square pads and an instructor to drop the pads.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to stand with your arms folded.
- When I say “block,” I am going to drop the pad, and you must block the pad before it hits you in the head.
- Your goal is to block three targets in a row.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the pad.
- Block over your head.
- Keep your arm strong.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Pop Blocks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Pop Blocks
Equipment needed: 1 Foam Bopper
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their BLOCKING in this drill by standing up as fast as they
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one instructor to hold a foam bobber.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will lie on their stomachs.
- When the instructor says go, the student will “pop” up and do 2 blocks.
- Then lie back down on their stomachs.
- Takeaways:
- Stand up as quickly as you can.
- Make sure you are fully standing before blocking
- Switch hands each time you block.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns can and demonstrate two blocks.
Protect the Castle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Protect the Castle
Equipment needed: One cushion and 3 cones per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will block pads that are thrown at their makeshift castle. This will help the students build good hand-eye- coordination and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need three cones set on top of a wave bag cushion and an instructor to throw the pads.
- Explain the rules:
- I am going to toss pads at your “castle.”
- You must protect your castle by blocking the pads.
- Your goal is to block three pads in a row.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the pad.
- Block fast.
- Keep your arm strong.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Side 2 Side
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Side 2 Side
Equipment needed: 2 Rings Per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating their ability to High blocks with the correct side. This will challenge them Physically by working there legs as they jump from side to side, and Intellectually by having to remember which side goes to each color.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor in front of 2 rings spaced 1’ apart.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student will stand in between the rings. (Go over which arm goes to each ring.)
- When the instructor calls out a color the student must hop to that color, say what color it is and then block with the correct arm.
- Once they do the block they will hop back in between the rings.
- The student wants to try and get 5 blocks without a mistake.
- On Round 2 go up to 10 blocks.
- Takeaways:
- Take big jumps to each side.
- Keep your eyes open when you block
- Most fast to get to the ring and block
Squeak It
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Squeak It
Equipment needed: 1 Squeaky Thing per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will demonstrate BLOCKING by hitting with enough power and accuracy to make the squeaky thing squeak!
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the instructor holding the squeaky thing.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will demonstrate a high block trying to hit the squeaky thing.
- The student will demonstrate 5 high blocks their goal is to make the pad squeak 5 times.
- Takeaways:
- Look at the dot when BLOCKING
- Hit hard with your block to make a squeak
- Remember to block with both arms
- Continue until each student gets 2-3 turns.
Squish the Head, Squish the Body
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Squish the Head, Squish the Body
Equipment needed: Two mitts per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice blocking their head and their body. Blocking builds hand-eye-coordination along with important sensory needs.
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines.
- Explain the rules:
- I will try and squish your head and your body with my mitts as you block me.
- Try lot to let my mitts touch your head or your body as you block.
- After you block the mitts you will do four punches on the mitts.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
- You can make it fun by switching roles and having them try and squish your head and body.
Stand Up
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Stand Up
Equipment needed: 1 Foam Noodle
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice BLOCKING by being able to quickly stand and demonstrate a block before the noodle hits them. This game will challenge the students Physically and Intellectually as they must listen for the words “GO” and have to be able to get up fast enough to not get hit.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding the foam noodle.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will lay down with their head toward the instructor who will also be laying their belly.
- When one instructor says “GO” the instructor and the 1st student in each line will stand up.
- The student will race the instructor to stand up fast, when the instructor gets up they will try to tap the student on the head with noodle.
- If the student can do the block correctly without getting hit they win that round.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes open to see the noodle.
- Block fast so you don’t get hit.
- Listen for the words “GO”.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Step 2 It
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Step 2 It
Equipment needed: 2 Rings & 1 Foam Noodle per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating their ability to move and use their high blocks. This will challenge the students mentally by requiring them to be able to block with the same side that they stepped with.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding the foam noodle.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will stand facing the rings in front of them.
- When the instructor calls out a color the student must step to the correct ring and block with the arm on the same side as the ring.
- The student will then bring their feet back together after they are done blocking.
- The instructor will call different colors 2 more times before the student can go to the end of the line.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes open to see the noodle.
- Block fast so you don’t get hit.
- Listen for the words color, so you know where to step.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Tag the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: BLOCKING
Drill: Tag the Pad
Equipment needed: 1 Clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice BLOCKING by demonstrating their ability to low block a pad quickly with good accuracy. This will strengthen their physical and mental stages of development as they must use hand eye coordination to low block the pad when it is flashed.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand facing the instructor with their hands in chamber position.
- When the instructor sticks the pad out in front of them the students must quickly low block and hit the pad..
- If the student can hit the pad 3 times the instructor will do 3 push-ups.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes looking for the pad.
- Keep your hands closed so you have strong arms.
- Hit the pad as hard as you can.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
1-2-3 Army Freeze
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: 1-2-3 Army Freeze
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One
Description: The students will play a game of 1-2-3 ninja freeze, but with army crawls. Army crawls are good for building arm muscles, and also for spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Have your student’s line up on one end of the mat on their stomach.
- The instructor will line up on the opposite end of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- I will close my eyes and count to three. While I count, you will begin to crawl towards me.
- When I get to three I will say “army freeze” and you must freeze where you are.
- If I see you move then you have to begin at the starting line.
- We will keep going until someone tags me.
- The person that tags me is the winner.
- Continue for three rounds.
- You can make it fun by letting the winner be the counter.
Bear Crawling In and Out of Cones
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Bear Crawling In and Out of Cones
Equipment needed: Four small cones
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice bear crawling in a zig-zag motion. Bear crawling targets the core muscles and at the same time builds hand-eye-coordination along with hand-foot coordination. In this drill, the students are building these skills while learning the zig-zag motion of moving.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay out four small cones approximately 3 feet apart in a straight line.
- Explain the rules:
- You will bear crawl through the cones in a zig-zag motion.
- The goal is to stay in a bear crawl position at all times without falling.
- If you fall over or if both hands come off the ground at the same time, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Bear Crawling Over the Pads
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Bear Crawling Over the Pads
Equipment needed: Four large kicking pads (or similar obstacle)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice bear crawling over obstacles. Bear crawling targets the core muscles and at the same time builds hand-eye-coordination along with hand-foot coordination. In this drill, the students are building these skills while bear crawling over objects.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay out four large kicking targets 3 feet apart in a straight line.
- Explain the rules:
- You will bear crawl over each obstacle practicing the three rules from above.
- The goal is to stay in a bear crawl position at all times without falling.
- If you fall over or if both hands come off the ground at the same time, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Bear Crawling Under Objects
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Bear Crawling Under Objects
Equipment needed: One blocker pad or similar item
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice bear crawling under obstacles. Bear crawling targets the core muscles and at the same time builds hand-eye-coordination along with hand-foot coordination. In this drill, the students are building these skills while bear crawling under objects.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, hold out a blocker target approximately two feet off the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- You will bear crawl under the obstacle practicing the three rules from above.
- The goal is to stay in a bear crawl position at all times without falling.
- If any part of your body touches the pad, or if your knees or elbows touch the ground, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Bear Tag
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Bear Tag
Equipment needed: One wavemaster pad
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will develop arm and core strength in this drill, as well as, develop good bear crawling technique by focusing on not using their knees.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need one instructor. Stand the bag on the floor, and have one student on each side in bear crawl position.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go” they will crawl clockwise around the pad.
- Try and catch the other person without letting your knees touch the floor.
- Takeaways:
- Crawl fast without knees.
- Keep your core strong.
- Keep your eyes up.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
- On the third turn you can make it more fun by having them chase you!
Bridge the Gap
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Bridge the Gap
Equipment needed: 2 wavemaster per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The student will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to show balance as they bear crawl over unstable objects. This will challenge them physically by requiring to engage all their muscles to complete the challenge.
Steps:
- Divide your students into line.
- Setting up the drill:
- Lay each wave master on its side with the top of each bag facing the other.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will be supported by the instructor in this game for safety.
- The 1st student will stand up and get on the bas of one of the bags in a bear crawl position.
- When the instructor says “GO” the students will crawl from one side of the bag across to the other end of the wavemasters.
- Once they get to the other end they can go back to the end of the line to play again.
- Takeaways:
- Keep at least 1 hand on the pad at all times
- Don’t forget to take big steps with your feet
- Keep your eyes up so you don’t fall off the pad
- Continue until each student gets 2-3 turns.
Cone Pass
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Cone Pass
Equipment needed: 1 Small Shuttle Cone per pair
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating army crawls down the mat while working with a partner. This will challenge them Physically and Socially as they constantly use their arms to pull themselves and as they wait for their partner to deliver the package.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs.
- Have the students sitting about 10’-12’ apart, with the instructor starting with one student.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will hold the small cone in their hands while laying on their belly with their head toward their partner.
- The student will army crawl down the mat towards the other student.
- The second student can’t move until they receive the package, once they do the students will switch spots 1 will sit 1 will crawl.
- To make it more fun you can change the distances or make it a race between partners.
- Takeaways:
- Wait for the cone to get to you before you move.
- Reach with your arms as you crawl to move faster.
- Don’t stop moving, you want to go as fast as you can.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Crab Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Crab Kicks
Equipment needed: One kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will develop core strength and coordination in this drill by doing a crab crawl then balancing while kicking in that position.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.For each line you will need one kicking target.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go” the students must crab crawl down the mat, keeping their belts up high.
- When they reach the instructor, they will perform 10 kicks staying in crab position.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your belt high.
- Move your feet first.
- Kick strong.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Crawl & Catch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Crawl & Catch
Equipment needed: 1 Dodgeball Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to crawl quickly down the mat before standing up and catching a ball. This will challenge the students physically and mentally as they must quickly be able to start and stop crawling as well as catching a ball.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student get into their bear crawl position next to the instructor.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will start to crawl in a straight line down the mat.
- When the instructor says “STOP” the student must stand up face the instructor and catch the ball that is being thrown to them.
- After the student catches the ball they must run it back to the instructor.
- If the student doesn’t catch they go to the end of the line and try again next turn.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t take your eyes off the ball, when it’s thrown.
- Keep moving down the mat until you hear “STOP.”
- Don’t fall as you’re crawling.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Cross the Tracks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Cross the Tracks
Equipment needed: Four small targets per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will crab crawl over a row of pads. This will help the students build core muscle development and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need four small pads set in a straight line on the mat, slightly spaced apart.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to crab crawl over the row of pads.
- Your goal is to not touch the pads with your hands, feet, or bottom as you crawl.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your belt high.
- Move slow.
- Keep your eyes forward.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Cups and Saucers
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Cups and Saucers
Equipment needed: Six small agility cones
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice bear crawling around the mat in a race to flip over six cones. Bear crawling targets the core muscles and at the same time builds hand-eye-coordination along with hand-foot coordination. In this drill, the students are building these skills while turning six cones over as quickly as possible.
Steps:
- Lay six agility cones upside down randomly around the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- I will say “go” and you will bear crawl to each cone and flip it over.
- The goal is to stay in a bear crawl position at all times without falling.
- If you fall over or if both hands come off the ground at the same time, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- You can make it a game by using several colored cones and assigning each student a specific color cone. Then see which “bear” can flip their cones over the fastest.
Danger Ball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Danger Ball
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 instructor per line
Description: The students will demonstrate CRAWLING in this game by demonstrating their ability to quickly move in their bear crawl position without falling. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to stay on their arms for an extended time.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Each instructor should have 3 or more dodgeballs and should be about 5’ from the student.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st person in line will go to their bear crawl position.
- When the instructor says “GO” they will start to roll dodgeballs at the student.
- The student must move away from each dodgeball and avoid being hit.
- If the student gets hit they have to demonstrate 3 squat jumps.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the ball the entire time.
- Make sure you move your body side to side.
- Don’t use your knees when you’re crawling.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Dizzy Crawls
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Dizzy Crawls
Equipment needed: 1 Wavemaster per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability crawl in a straight line after getting dizzy. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to crawl without falling after getting disoriented.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the students face the Wavemaster top.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will get into a bear crawl position.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will demonstrate 5 spins while in their bear crawl position.
- After they are done spinning they can crawl down to the Wavemaster and they can punch or kick it over.
- Once they bear crawl back they can have a seat of the end of the line.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t crawl on your knees.
- Crawl fast so you can get strong.
- Keep your eyes up so you can see the target.
- Continue until each student gets 2 turns.
Dominos
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Dominos
Equipment needed: 3 Slammer Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to and kick in an awkward position. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to hold their body up and kick hard enough to knock pads over.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student go to their crab crawl position and face the pads which are horizontally apart like dominos.
- When the instructor says “GO” the students will crawl down to the pads.
- When the student reaches the pad, they will kick them and will try to knock down each pad.
- If the student knocks down all the pads they win, if not then they go to the end and try again next turn.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your belly up to get stronger.
- Kick the pads hard, so you can knock them all over.
- Do your best to not fall.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Don’t Lose Your Head
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Don’t Lose Your Head
Equipment needed: 3 obstacles to crawl under and a clapper target (per line)
Instructors needed: Two per line
Description: “Crawling and punching builds your arms muscles. In this drill you are going to crawl under some obstacles to make your arms strong. You are also going to punch the clapper target with speed bag punches to make your arms even stronger.”
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Set up 3 obstacles that are at least 2 feet apart from each other. Make sure the obstacles are high enough for the students to crawl under. Have an instructor on the other side of the obstacles holding a clapper target in a downward position.
- The first student in line will crawl under the obstacles using his/ her arms only. When they reach the end of the obstacles they must hit the clapper target with their fists in a circular motion (like a speed bag) while the instructor counts to 10.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- Repeat the drill 2 more times while spreading out the obstacles even further each turn.
Donut Ninjas
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Donut Ninjas
Equipment needed: 2 rings per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to bear crawl through a small area. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to know where their body is at all times.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- The instructor will hold 2 rings about 4’ apart on the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will lay on their belly facing the rings.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will army crawl trying to fit through the rings.
- The instructor will give them 10 seconds to make it through the rings.
- On round 2 give them 5 seconds
- Takeaways:
- Don’t forget to look where you’re going
- Use my arms to pull yourself through the ring
- Try your best to not use your legs
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Drag the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Drag the Pad
Equipment needed: One small pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will army-crawl down the mat while dragging a pad with their foot. This will help the students build good core muscle development and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a small pad set on the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to get into an army crawl position and place your feet on top of the pad.
- You will army crawl down the mat while dragging the pad with your feet.
- Your goal is to not let your feet slip off the pad as you crawl.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Pull with your arms.
- Keep your eyes up.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Figure 8’s
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Figure 8’s
Equipment needed: 2 Cones Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Instructor Per Line
Description: Students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to crawl for an extended period of time. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to engage their core by not dropping their knees.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the 2 cone about 6’ apart on the same line.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will face the cones in a bear crawl position.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will crawl in between the cones and around the far cone.
- They will continue going back through the cones and around the 2nd cone, making a figure 8.
- They will continue making this pattern 3 times trying not to fall, if they fall then they must start over.
- Takeaways:
- Crawl fast so you get stronger.
- Don’t use your knees.
- Keep your eyes up so you don’t hit a cone.
- Continue until each student gets 2 turns.
Get Away
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Get Away
Equipment needed: 1 Yoga Ball per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating a bear crawl moving as fast as they can away from the yoga ball. This will challenge the students physically by having them moving quickly away from a moving object without falling.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will get into a bear crawl position.
- When the instructor says “GO” they will push the yoga ball after the student.
- The student wants to quickly go away from the ball, if the student can make it to the other side of the mat they are safe.
- If the student is hit by the ball they must do 3 push-ups before going to the end of the line.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t fall or the ball might hit you.
- Keep your eyes ahead if you look back the ball might hit you.
- Don’t stop moving, you want to go as fast as you can.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Knock the Castles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Knock the Castles
Equipment needed: 8 Large cones per team
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will bear crawl around the mat and knock the cones over. Bear crawls are good for core development and hand-eye/ foot-eye coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into teams.
- For each team you will need 8 large cones spread out around their ring.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will bear crawl around the mat and knock over the cones.
- Your goal is to knock over the cones faster than the other teams.
- If your knee touches the ground, or if you stand up, then you are out and must sit down.
- The person that knocks their cones over the fastest wins a point for their team.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- The team with the most points at the end of the drill is the winner.
Mountain Crawl
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Mountain Crawl
Equipment needed: 3 bars and sets of cones
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their CRAWLING in this drill by being able to bear crawl over obstacles at different heights focusing on controlling their body and building core strength.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- 3 bars set at various heights & one instructor to supervise.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will bear crawl over the obstacles.
- When the students crawl if their knees touch or if they fall then they have to start over.
- Takeaways:
- Use your eyes to see where you are going.
- Move one limb at a time making sure to clear each bar.
- Do not hop over the bar because you may accidentally hit it.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Out of the Cave
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Out of the Cave
Equipment needed: One kicking pad or similar item
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice army crawling. Army crawling targets the upper body muscles and at the same time builds hand-eye-coordination. In this drill, the students are building these skills while army crawling through their partner’s legs.
Steps:
- Pair each student with a partner.
- For each pair, one will begin by holding a kicking pad and the other will begin in an army crawl position behind their partner.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say go you will army crawl through your partner’s legs.
- Once you pass through your partner’s legs, you will stand up and kick the pad ten times (using both legs.)
- Next you will take the pad and turn around so that your partner can crawl through your legs.
- Continue until each pair reaches the end of the mat.
- You can make it a game by having each pair race all the way down the mat.
Over the Bridge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Over the Bridge
Equipment needed: Four slammer pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will bear crawl over slammer pads. This will help them build good core muscle development and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need four slammer targets set in a straight line, slightly spaced apart.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to bear crawl over the slammer pads.
- Make sure that you crawl over each pad with one hand and one foot at a time.
- Your goal is to not touch the pads with any part of your body as you crawl over them.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your belt high.
- Pick your legs up.
- Keep your eyes up.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Piggy Back
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Piggy Back
Equipment needed: One small pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will bear crawl with a pad balanced on their back.Bear crawls are good for core development and hand-eye/ foot- eye coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need a small square pad.
- Have an instructor sit on the opposite end of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- Get into bear crawl position.
- I will balance a small pad on your back.
- You will crawl as far as you can without dropping your pad.
- Your goal is to reach the instructor without dropping the pad.
- You have three turns to make it to the instructor. If you make it to the instructor, then he will do 10 push-ups.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Race Track
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Race Track
Equipment needed: Multiple Kicking Shields and Cones
Instructors needed: 2 to monitor
Description: In this game students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to crawl for an extended period of time without giving up. This will challenge physically by requiring them to go beyond their own arm capabilities.
Steps:
- Divide students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have all of the shields an cones set up in a big circle.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will start in a bear crawl position.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will start crawling through the track.
- When the 1st student gets about halfway through then the next student can try to catch them.
- Once the student finishes 1 lap the. They can have a seat back with the instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the track so you don’t hit a pad.
- Be careful the pads are wobbly so don’t hit them.
- Go as fast as you can with good technique.
- Continue until each student gets 2-3 turns.
Ring Bear
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Ring Bear
Equipment needed: 1 Ring and 1 Large Cone Per Line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice CRAWLING by demonstrating their ability to bear crawl quickly with their eyes forward. This will challenge the students Physically by having them crawl a long distance while keeping their eyes on the cone across from them.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have the large cone across the mat from the students, the instructor will follow the student as they play.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will go to their bear crawl position and the instructor will place the ring around their neck.
- The student must crawl down the mat and place the ring on the cone and without their hands, and then crawl all the way back to their line.
- If the student loses the ring then they must restart.
- The 1st student to finish earns a ninja point for their team, team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t fall as you crawl down the mat.
- Keep your eyes on the cone to keep the ring safe.
- Don’t stop moving if you do you may not win.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Snake in the Hole
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Snake in the Hole
Equipment needed: 4 slammer pads, 1 punching mitt per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will develop arm strength and spatial awareness in this drill by army crawling through a tunnel of pads.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need four slammer targets set up in a manner to create a tunnel
- Explain the rules:
- You must army crawl through the tunnel only using your arms.
- Once you make it through, stand up and do ten punches on the pad.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your arms out.
- Keep your feet together.
- Keep your stomach strong.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Turtle Shells
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: CRAWLING
Drill: Turtle Shells
Equipment needed: 1 Kicking Shield
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their CRAWLING in this drill by being able to keep their body strong as they army crawl down the mat with a kicking shield on their back.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor watching the technique and 1 kicking shield.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will put the kicking shield perpendicular across their back.
- Then they want to be able to army crawl down the mat without losing the shield.
- Make sure they’re not using their knees to help crawl down the mat.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your stomach strong and stable to balance the pad.
- Reach with your arms and alternate to go faster.
- Keep your head up.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Around the World
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Around the World
Equipment needed: 5 rings
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice their hopping skills by hopping from one ring to another while facing forward at all times. This will help them build good gross motor skills and balance.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need five rings set on the mat with one ring in the middle, and the other four set to the left, right, front, and back of the middle ring.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to stand in the middle ring.
- I am going to call out a color and you will hop into that ring while facing forward at all times.
- You will hop into each color ring at least once.
- Your goal is to not let your feet come apart as you hop.
- Takeaways:
- Take fast hops
- Keep your feet together.
- Hop high.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Big Foot Jumps
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Big Foot Jumps
Equipment needed: Two small square targets per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will build leg muscles as they jump across the floor using small square targets as their feet. This is a great drill for gross motor skill development too because it takes some skill to keep the pads on their feet.
Steps:
- Divide your class into lines.
- In front of each line, lay down two small square targets.
- The first student in line will place their feet in the straps of the targets.
- The student will jump across the mat, as far as they can on each jump, without letting the pads slip off their feet.
- The goal for this drill is for the students to build enough leg strength to jump as far as possible while keeping the pads on their feet.
Fancy Feet
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Bouncy Feet
Equipment needed: 2 Rings Per line
Instructors needed: 1 Instructor Per Line
Description: The students will practice HOPPING by demonstrating their ability to do small rapid hops engaging their quick twitch leg muscles and then a power hop engaging all the main muscles of the legs. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to continuously hop for the entire drill exercising their leg muscles.
Steps:
- Have the students form lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student, will stand in the ring on the ground in front of them.
- They will as many hops as they can in the ring while the instructor counts to 10.
- When the instructor gets to 10 they will yell “JUMP!” The student must then jump all the way to the 2nd ring.
- On round 2, move the second ring farther away.
- Takeaways:
- Eyes on the ring.
- Keep your feet together the whole time.
- Do your best to not fall out of the ring.
- Continue for at least 2 rounds.
Cat and Mouse
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Cat and Mouse
Equipment needed: 8 to 16 rings
Instructors needed: One
Description: The students will play a game of chase in a circle while hopping into rings. This is great for building balance, control, gross motor skills, social skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Select one student to be the chaser (cat) and a second student to be the runner (mouse)
- Lay out 8 to 16 rings in a large circle. Have the cat stand in one ring and the mouse exactly half of the rings ahead of the cat.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will both jump in the rings in the same direction.
- The mouse must try and reach the ring that the cat began in before the cat catches up to the mouse.
- You must hop with both feet into each ring.
- If you do not hop with both feet, then I will make you go back.
- Continue until each student has a turn to be both the cat and the mouse.
Collect the Circles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Collect the Circles
Equipment needed: 5 rings and 5 rubber dots per line
Instructors needed: One
Description: The students will hop into rings while collecting dots that are set in between each ring. This is great for helping the students build balance, spatial awareness, gross motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need to lay out 5 rings with 5 rubber dots in between each ring.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will jump into the first ring and pick up the first rubber circle.
- Then you will jump into the second ring and collect the second circle, and so forth all the way down.
- If you drop a dot, then you must start over.
- The person that reaches the end the fastest is the winner.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Diamond Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Diamond Hops
Equipment needed: 4 Rings per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice HOPPING by demonstrating their ability to hop in multiple directions. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to jump forward, sideways, and backwards without falling or stumbling.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line have 4 rings made to look like a diamond.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student, will stand up and hop into the ring in front of them.
- They will then hop into the next ring on their left.
- They will continue to hop throughout the diamond, they must make it all the way around.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Take your time when you hop.
- Stay in the ring, try not fall out.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Don’t Drop the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Don’t Drop the Pad
Equipment needed: One small target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice hopping down the mat while holding a pad between their knees. This will help them build important lower body motor skills, and also help them keep their feet together as they jump so that both legs are exerting the same amount of energy.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines. Give the first person in each line a small pad.
- Explain the rules:
- You will place the small pad between your knees.
- When I say “go” you will hop down the mat without dropping the pad.
- If you drop the pad then you must start over.
- Once you reach the end of the mat, you will hand your pad to your instructor and do ten kicks alternating legs.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Elevator Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Elevator Hops
Equipment needed: 3 Slammer Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice HOPPING by demonstrating their ability to hop on an obstacle that gets steadily higher.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to start on the lowest level and do 3 hops
- Then we will add one more pad and do 3 more hops
- We will do the same on the 3rd level.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together
- Bring your knees up when you jump
- Land strong and try not to fall off
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Frog Jumps
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Frog Jumps
Equipment needed: Four agility rings per line
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: “When you jump, it is important for you to use both of your feet at the same time. This will help you jump far. It will also help you keep your balance when you land. In this drill you are going to practice jumping with your feet together (like a frog). The goal is for you to jump at different distances without falling.”
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines.
- Lay down four rings that are touching each other (in each line).
- The students will take turns jumping into each ring with his (or her) feet together, and without falling.
- Repeat the drill, but space the rings approximately 3 inches apart.
- Repeat the drill, but space the rings approximately 6 inches apart.
Hop to it
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Hop to it
Equipment needed: Numbered dots 1 – 5
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will work on HOPPING to a specific number. This will help the students develop spatial awareness between the numbers and each other.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each line you will need numbered dots 1-5. Spread them out evenly around the mat/square.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call a number and you must hop to the number.
- You must keep your feet together while you are hopping.
- Make sure to leave enough space for your friends.
- Try not to fall when you hop.
- Takeaways:
- Take big jumps.
- Keep your feet together.
- Keep your eyes up.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Hopping From Number to Number
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Hopping From Number to Number
Equipment needed: Eight numbered objects
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice hopping from number to number in various directions. This builds large motor skills, balance, and focus. This also builds number awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay down a zig-zag row of numbered objects.
- Explain the rules:
- You will jump from number to number while following the three tips from above.
- The goal is to hop in multiple directions without falling.
- If your feet come apart or if you fall then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Hopping on Obstacles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Hopping on Obstacles
Equipment needed: Four slammer pads per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice hopping on obstacles. Hopping from one “unstable” object to the next builds large motor skills, balance, and control.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay down four slammer pads approximately 1 foot apart in a straight line
- Explain the rules:
- You will hop from obstacle to obstacle while practicing the three rules from above.
- The goal is to not fall as you land on each obstacle.
- If you fall or if your feet come apart then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Hurdle Jumps With Kicks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Hurdle Jumps With Kicks
Equipment needed: 2 hurdles and a clapper target (per line)
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill, the students are going to jump over hurdles that are spread far apart which will build their leg muscles.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines.
- Set up 2 hurdles that are spread at least 1 foot apart. Have an instructor on the other side of the hurdles holding a clapper target.
- The first student in each line will jump over the hurdles and then kick the target 10 times alternating legs
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- Repeat the drill 2 more times and spread the hurdles a little further apart each time.
Jumping Middle Stance
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Jumping Middle Stance
Equipment needed: Two slammer targets per line
Instructors needed: Two per line
Description: In this drill the students will jump between two slammer pads and land in a middle stance (one foot on each pad) without falling off the pads. This is a great drill for building balance and increasing leg strength.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups.
- Pick one student to go first. See how many jumping middle stances they can do while landing on the slammer pads with both feet without falling.
- For reference:
- 3 to 5 jumps is average
- 6 to 9 is above average
- Over 10 is excellent
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see who can do as many jumping middle stances as possible without falling.
Ladder Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Ladder Hops
Equipment needed: One agility ladder
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will work on their HOPPING by being challenged to count their jumps while keeping the distance traveled consistent.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each group you will need one agility ladder.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call out a number.
- The student must hop from square to square counting each hop.
- Try to keep your feet together when you hop.
- Try on to fall when you hop.
- Do not do more hops then the number you are given.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Look where you hop.
- Hop fast.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Laser Beam
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Laser Beam
Equipment needed: 1 Foam Noodle Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice HOPPING by demonstrating their ability to hop over a moving obstacle multiple times without falling.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to jump over the laser beam 5 times.
- The laser beam will start to go faster on round 2.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Bring your knees up when you jump.
- Land strong and try not to fall.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Leapfrog
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Leapfrog
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will take turns leaping over their partner. This is a great drill for teaching your students about having control while they jump and also about taking turns.
Steps:
- Pair each of your students up with a partner.
- Line up the pairs on one end of the training deck.
- Have one student get down on their knees with their head and hands on the ground as shown in the picture.
- The partner will place his/ her hands on the students (as shown in the picture) and jump over them.
- Repeat the process as the students take turns jumping over each other down the training mat.
- To make the drill fun, make it a competition to see which pair can leapfrog their way all the way down the training mat.
Little Hop, Big Hop
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Little Hop, Big Hop
Equipment needed: 2 kicking shields, 2 small targets
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on HOPPING by learning how to alternate the amount of power they put into each jump by using short and long jumps. This drill will help better their understanding of power and distance.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an Instructor. Lay the pads on the floor alternating sizes.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to jump over the pads.
- Try not to fall on the pads.
- Try not to touch the pads.
- Keep your feet together when you jump.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Bring both knees up.
- Land strong.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Mini Leap Pads
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Mini Leap Pads
Equipment needed: Six small pads per line
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice hopping onto objects. This will help them build focus and spatial awareness as they hop onto each object. They will change from hopping on the pad to alternating on and off the pad on the second round which will also help build their intellectual processing skills.
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say go you will hop from pad to pad.
- If you fall off any of the pads then you must start over.
- Once you reach the last pad, you will try and hop backwards over the pads.
- If you fall as you hop backwards you do not have to start over.
- On the second round, you will hop on the pad, and then on the ground, then back onto the next pad, and so forth.
- Continue until each student has at least 4 turns.
- You can make it a contest to see who can hop through all of the pads the fastest.
Moon Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Moon Hops
Equipment needed: One stick per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on developing their hopping skills while holding onto a stick to help them jump higher and learn how to plant their feet as they hop. This drill will build basic motor skills and increase muscular development in their legs.
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor to hold onto a stick as if it were a curl bar.
- Explain the rules:
- Hold onto the stick tightly.
- Keep your feet together and bend your knees.
- Hop as high as you can while holding onto the stick.
- I will use the stick to lift you even higher in the air.
- You will hop all the way down the mat.
- Continue for three rounds.
Mountain Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Mountain Hops
Equipment needed: 4 Slammer Pads
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their HOPPING in this drill by being able to hop over different obstacles at different heights.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will keep their feet together and hop on to the mountain.
- Then they want to hop across the pads without falling.
- Making sure that when they hop, they bring their knees up.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Bring both knees high.
- Land strong.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Number Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Number Hops
Equipment needed: 1 Yellow Bar
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their HOPPING by hopping side to side without stepping on the yellow bar and only doing the number of hops given.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call out a number. 1, 2, or 3.
- The student must do that many hops side to side without hitting the bar.
- The student has to do 2 different hops before his/her turn is over.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together.
- Bring both knees up.
- Keep your body sideways.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Over the Bridge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Over the Bridge
Equipment needed: 4 to 6 small pads and rings per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their hopping skills by hopping from ring to ring while also hopping over small obstacles. This will help them build good gross motor skills and balance.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need to lay down a row of small pads with one ring on each side, alternating sides.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to hop from ring to ring without touching the pads in the middle.
- Once you reach the end, you will turn around and hop back from ring to ring.
- Your goal is to keep your feet together as you hop.
- Takeaways:
- Pick your knees up.
- Keep your feet together.
- Hop high.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Power Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Power Hops
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice power hopping down the floor. This targets the leg muscles and builds large motor skills. At the same time, this drill builds balance and coordination which are essential skills for all sports and physical activities.
Steps:
- Set up 4 rings spaced apart.
- The first student in line will stand in one of the rings. The instructor will call out “left, right, forward, or backwards” and the student must jump in the appropriate ring.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- Repeat the drill by calling out combinations such as: “left-right-forward-backwards”
Rabbit Race
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Rabbit Race
Equipment needed: 5 rings per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: Students will practice HOPPING by demonstrating their ability to quickly hop in rings without falling. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to hop quickly down the mat without falling.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Set up the rings staggered going down the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the rings.
- When the instructor says “GO”, the student will quickly hop through the rings.
- When the student reaches the instructor, they must give them a high 5, then they must hop back through the rings.
- Once the 1st student gets back then the next student can go.
- Takeaways:
- Hop as fast as you can.
- Keep your feet together even though you’re moving fast.
- Keep your head up as you’re hopping.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Ring Jumps
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Ring Jumps
Equipment needed: 4 rings per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill, the students will practice learning how to move left, right, forward, and backwards by jumping in the rings.
Steps:
- Set up 4 rings spaced apart.
- The first student in line will stand in one of the rings. The instructor will call out “left, right, forward, or backwards” and the student must jump in the appropriate ring.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- Repeat the drill by calling out combinations such as: “left-right-forward-backwards”
Rock Hops
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Rock Hops
Equipment needed: One small pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice hopping over an object. This will help them build focus and spatial awareness as they hop over the object. This will also help them build good motor skills in their legs.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines.
- Give the first person in each line a small pad.
- Explain the Rules:
- You will place the small pad in front of you and jump over it.
- After you jump over it, you will pick it up and place it in front of you and you will jump over it again.
- You will continue the steps all the way down the mat.
- Once you reach the end of the mat, you will hand your pad to your instructor and do ten punches alternating hands.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Side to Side Ring Challenge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Side to Side Ring Challenge
Equipment needed: 8 rings per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their hopping skills by jumping from side to side down the rings while keeping their body facing forward. This will help them build good gross motor skills and balance.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need to set four rings on the mat in one straight line.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to hop sideways down the rings.
- When you reach the last ring, you will do five kicks.
- Next you will hop back down the rings again and do five kicks when you reach the last ring.
- Your goal is to try and keep your feet together as you hop.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chest to the front.
- Keep your feet together.
- Look before you hop.
Stay on the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Stay on the Pad
Equipment needed: One slammer pad per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will try to do as many squat jumps on the slammer pad as possible -without falling. This is a great drill for building balance and increasing leg strength.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups.
- Pick one student to go first. See how many squat jumps they can do while landing on the slammer pad with both feet.
- For reference:
- 3 to 5 jumps in a row (landing on both feet) is average
- 6 to 9 is above average
- Over 10 is excellent
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see who can do as many squat jumps as possible without falling.
Three Jumps
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: HOPPING
Drill: Three Jumps
Equipment needed: 1 Large Pad
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice their HOPPING skills by standing on a unstable surface and jumping as high as they can 3 times without falling off the pad.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line place one large pad in front of the line and have the first student stand on the pad.
- Explain the rules:
- Squat down on the pad.
- Perform 3 jumps as high as you can.
- Remember to land on the pad and not fall down
- For your second turn, perform 5 jumps
- Takeaways:
- Keep your feet together for better balance in the air
- Tuck your knees up to your chest for maximum height
- Land with both feet on the pad
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Back Roll
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Back Roll
Equipment needed: 1 kicking shield per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will learn how to roll backwards. This drill will help develop coordination while having fun rolling off the pads.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an Instructor to spot, and a kicking shield.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to sit on the pad.
- Touch your left ear to your left shoulder.
- Then push back with your feet and hands to bring your knees over your right shoulder.
- Remember to roll fast!
- Instructor can spot the knees and neck if needed.
- Takeaways:
- Throw your feet over your shoulder.
- Keep your stomach strong.
- Land strong.
- Continue so that each student gets to roll 3 – 4 times.
Beat the Elephant
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Beat the Elephant
Equipment needed: A bin of small balls
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice rolling a small ball between the legs of an elephant (instructor) who is attempting to knock away the balls with their nose (instructor’s arms hanging palm to palm). This is a great drill for hand-eye-coordination, upper body development, control, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines with no more than four students per line. For each line, have a bin of dodgeballs set next to the students.
- Approximately 6 feet away, have your elephant stand with his legs double-shoulder width apart with their nose hanging down (arms hanging with palms together) as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- You will roll a small ball through the elephant’s legs.
- The elephant will try and knock the ball with his nose.
- Your goal is to get three balls through the elephant’s legs.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Bowling!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Bowling!
Equipment needed: 2 Wavemaster Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their pencil roll in a straight line knocking down objects.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- You will lay on your belly with the pads in front of you.
- When the instructor says “GO”, you will roll towards the pads.
- If you stay on a straight line, you will be able to knock the pads over
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes open.
- Try to go as fast as possible.
- Do your best to stay on a straight line.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Chin Down
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Chin Down
Equipment needed: 1 Dot Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their front roll while focusing on keeping your chin down so that you can stay safe.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- You will squat down and hold a spot dot between your chin and chest.
- Then you will demonstrate your front roll, trying not to drop the dot.
- Try to do it 3 times without dropping the dot.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chin down.
- Keep your hands down on the ground.
- Try to jump your body over so that your head doesn’t hit the ground.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Color Roll
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Color Roll
Equipment needed: 4 Colored Rings
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their ROLLING in this drill by pencil rolling to colors as fast as they can without stopping.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Set up 4 rings across the mat from each line.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will start by lying on their stomach.
- The instructor will call a color and they have to roll to the ring.
- Takeaways:
- Roll to the ring as fast as you can.
- Keep your stomach strong to go faster.
- Keep your legs together so you can go straight.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Crazy Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Crazy Pad
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their ability to roll a awkward object to their instructor. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to keep the pad on its side.
Steps:
- Have the students divide into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the students sit in front of the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student in line will stand and place the pad on its side.
- They will have to roll the pad all the way down to the instructor.
- Once they get to the instructor they will do 5 front kicks on the pad.
- If the pad falls as they roll it then they are out.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the pad.
- Keep moving, don’t stop as you roll the pad.
- Kick the pad strong at the end of the mat.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Double Trouble
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Double Trouble
Equipment needed: 2 dodge balls per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will learn to use both hands while rolling two balls. This will develop focus and coordination as they try to control both balls at the same time.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need two dodgeballs.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to use each hand to roll a ball.
- Start from one side of the mat/square and roll the balls to the opposite side.
- Try not to lose control of the balls, roll slowly if you have to.
- Takeaways:
- Watch both hands.
- Don’t lose the balls.
- Stay in a straight line.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Figure 8 Rolls
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Figure 8 Rolls
Equipment needed: One ball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will roll a ball in and out of their legs in a figure “8” motion. This will help the students build hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a small ball.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to roll a ball in and out of your legs in a figure “8” motion.
- Keep at least one hand on the ball at all times.
- Your goal is to not let the ball roll away.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
- On the third turn you can make it a competition to see who can make a figure “8” the fastest.
Messy Room
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Messy Room
Equipment needed: One dozen small balls
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice rolling small balls across the mat. The instructors will roll the small balls back, as the students try and get as many balls across to the instructors side when the time is up. The group with the most balls on their side has the messiest room. This is a great drill to build hand-eye-coordination, as well as special awareness.
Steps:
- Place your students on one side of the mat and the instructors on the opposite side.
- Using cones or similar objects mark the middle of the mat so that one side is the students’ room and the other side is the instructors’ room.
- Dump a bin of small balls in the middle of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will roll the balls to the instructors’ room.
- The instructors are going to rolls the balls back to your room too.
- You will keep rolling the balls to the instructors’ room so that your room is not messy.
- After 30 seconds, the room that is the cleanest is the one with the least amount of balls.
- When time is up, count all of the balls in each room and announce which room is the cleanest.
Mini Golf
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Mini Golf
Equipment needed: 2 colored rings, 1 dodgeball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will play a game where they must use specific aim to score. This drill will help to fine tune their fine motor skills by rolling towards two rings spaced close together.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor holding two different colored rings.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to say a color of a ring.
- Then the student must roll the ball without moving off their spot, and make it through the specified ring.
- Give each student 3 tries per turn.
- Takeaways:
- Push the ball hard.
- Push it straight.
- Look before you roll.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Ninja Bowl
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Ninja Bowl
Equipment needed: One large ball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will play a game of tag by rolling a large ball at their classmates. This will help the students build good hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and social skills.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups of four.
- For each group you will need to make a ring if you don’t have one built into your mat, and you will also need a large yoga ball.
- Select one person to be “it” first.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to roll the ball at your classmates.
- You must keep your hands on the ball at all times.
- Your goal is to try and tag every student before time is up.
- For the classmates: you must stay in the ring at all times.
- Continue until each student has a turn to be it for 1-minute.
Over the Hills
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Over the Hills
Equipment needed: 3 Kicking Shields & 1 Wavemaster Top per line
Instructors needed: 1 instructor per line
Description: The students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their ability to roll a large pad over smaller obstacles. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to engage more of their muscles to lift the bag over the obstacles.
Steps:
- Have the students form lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor and 3 evenly spaced kicking shields laid out in a line.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line, will stand up and put 2 hands on the sideways bag top.
- When the instructor says “GO”, the student will start to push the bag top forward.
- When the student reaches a kicking shield, they must push the bag top over the shield and move on to the next one.
- Students will continue until they reach the end of the line of shields.
- Takeaways:
- Make sure you go as fast as you can.
- Keep two hands on the bag top always.
- Push the bag top hard to get it over the obstacles,
- Continue for at least 2 rounds.
Over the Tracks
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Over the Tracks
Equipment needed: 1 to 4 slammer pads per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will forward roll over the slammer pads. This will help them build good core muscle development and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need four slammer targets set in a straight line, or you can start with only one slammer pad if your class has more beginners in it.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to forward roll over the slammer pads.
- Make sure that you tuck your chin when you roll.
- Your goal is to try and roll over the pads without the instructor helping you.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Pad Snatch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Pad Snatch
Equipment needed: 1 small square pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will demonstrate ROLLING by grabbing a pad that’s behind them with their feet. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to use their core muscles more than normal.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the students facing the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will sit down and the instructor will place the pad behind them.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will roll backwards and try and grab the pad with their feet.
- The instructor will be holding the pad about 6” off the ground,
- If they can grab it then they want to sit back up in a crisp cross position.
- The student will demonstrate this 3 times before going to the end of the line.
- Takeaways:
- Get your feet all the way over so the pad is easy to grab.
- Keep your feet together, so the pad doesn’t drop.
- Take your time so you can make it look good.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Pass the Giant
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Pass the Giant
Equipment needed: Two wave bags or cones and one large ball
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice rolling a large ball between the giant’s (instructor) “gate” while he attempts to force the student to change directions of the rolling ball. This is a great drill for hand-eye-coordination, control, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines with no more than four students per line and line them up on one end of the mat. Give the first person in each line a large ball
- On the opposite end of the mat, set up a “gate” with cones or wave bags. Have a giant stand and guard the gate.
- Explain the rules:
- The giant is guarding his gate.
- You must roll the ball down the mat and get the ball through the gate.
- If the giant steps in your way, you must roll the ball the other way until you find a spot to roll the ball through.
- Giants are very slow so use your rolling skills to try and trick him when you get to the gate.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Pencil Rolls
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Pencil Rolls
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice rolling their body sideways (like a pencil would roll down a desk.) This targets the core muscles and builds large motor skills. At the same time, this drill builds spatial awareness which is the ability to be aware of oneself in a specific space.
Steps:
- Explain to the students some age-appropriate tips for rolling sideways:
- Keep your hands tucked in tight.
- Keep your legs straight and your feet together.
- Keep turning your body as you roll down the floor.
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- Explain the rules:
- You will roll your body sideways down the mat like a pencil.
- The goal is to roll down the mat while you keep your feet together.
- If your feet come apart, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- It is important that the instructor helps each student maintain technique while rolling. As shown in the picture, the instructor is also coaching the student as he rolls.
Rolling a Ball in Multiple Directions
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Rolling a Ball in Multiple Directions
Equipment needed: Four cones and one medium-sized ball
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice rolling a ball in and out of obstacles. Rolling a ball in multiple-directions builds hand-eye-coordination while at the same time builds core muscles.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, lay out four cones approximately 3 feet apart in a straight line as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- You will roll the ball in and out of the cones while practicing the three rules from above.
- The goal is to not let the ball roll away from you.
- If the ball rolls away from you then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- It is important that the instructor helps each student follow the zig-ag motion. As shown in the picture, the instructor is also coaching the student as he rolls the ball.
Round the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Round the Pad
Equipment needed: One light ball and one wave bag cushion per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on developing their rolling skills by rolling a light ball around an obstacle. This drill will build basic motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a wavemaster cushion or similar object.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will roll the ball around the pad three times.
- Keep your hands onto the ball at all times.
- After you roll the ball around the pad three times, you will kick the bag three times with each leg.
- Takeaways:
- Watch where you roll.
- Stay close to the pad.
- Don’t lose the ball.
- Continue for three rounds.
Start and Stop
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Start and Stop
Equipment needed: 1 Wavemaster Top Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their ability to roll a huge object while having them listen for the instructor’s signal. This will challenge the students physically and mentally by requiring them to quickly stop a fast-moving object.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, have one instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student, will stand up and up in front of the sideways bag top.
- When the instructor says “GO”, the student will start to roll the bag top toward the instructor.
- When the instructor says “STOP”, the student must stop the bag completely wherever they are.
- If they fall or lose control of the bag they must restart; the students goal is to make it all the way down to the instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Eyes on the bag the whole time.
- WKeep 2 hands on the bag.
- Make sure you’re moving fast.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Stay In Your Lane
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Stay In Your Lane
Equipment needed: Multiple Cones
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their ROLLING in this drill by rolling in a straight line and rolling fast.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor watching the technique.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will lay in the middle of the lane.
- They will then pencil roll to the other side without going out of the lane.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your stomach strong so you can roll fast.
- Keep your hands over your head so you can go straight.
- Roll fast but with control
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Stopping a Rolling Object
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Stopping a Rolling Object
Equipment needed: One wave bag cushion or large exercise ball
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice stopping a large object while it is rolled down the floor. This builds hand-eye- coordination along with hand-foot coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, lay a wave bag cushion on its side as shown in the picture. If you do not have wave bags, use a large exercise ball.
- Explain the rules:
- You will roll the pad down the mat. When the instructor says “stop” you must stop the pad as quickly as possible.
- The goal is to stop the pad quickly without falling over it.
- If you fall over it, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- It is important that the instructor helps each student maintain technique while rolling the pad. As shown in the picture, the instructor is also coaching the student as he rolls the pad.
Super Pencil
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Super Pencil
Equipment needed: 1 small square pad per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: Students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their ability to pencil roll with a partner down the mat. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to roll with a partner to a specific area.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the first 2 students lay with heads toward each other.
- Explain the rules:
- The first 2 students will grab the small pad with both hands.
- When the instructor says “GO” the students will roll together down the mat.
- If the students lose the pad they must start over, they want to roll together all the way to the end. (About 6ft)
- Takeaways:
- Don’t roll to fast or you may lose your partner.
- Use your eyes to see where to go.
- Keep your body straight like a pencil.
- Continue until each student has had 2 turns.
Through the Maze
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Through the Maze
Equipment needed: 5 white belts, one heavy ball, and one cone per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will roll a heavy ball through a maze. This is great for helping the students build control, spatial awareness, gross motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need to lay out five white belts into a maze with a cone at the end of the maze.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will roll the ball through the maze.
- Keep your hands on the ball at all times.
- If you touch any part of the maze, then you must start over.
- Takeaways:
- Look where you’re going.
- Both hands on the ball.
- Move fast.
- Continue until each student has at least 3 turns.
Tightrope
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Tightrope
Equipment needed: 1 Belt / 1 Ball per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will practice ROLLING by demonstrating their ability to roll a small ball on a line without losing the ball. This will challenge the students mentally by challenging their hand-eye coordination to roll the ball down the belt.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Place the belt in front of the students.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up with the ball.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will walk the ball with both hands down the belt.
- If the student loses the ball, then they must start over again. (About 6ft)
- If they make it all the way down, then have the student go to the end of the line.
- On round 2 see if any student can roll the ball walking backwards down the mat.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the ball and belt.
- Don’t go to fast or you may lose the ball.
- Always keep 2 hands on the ball.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Touch the Numbers
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: ROLLING
Drill: Touch the Numbers
Equipment needed: 4 numbered circles, one light ball, and one kicking target per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will roll a light ball around the mat, while touching numbered circles in order. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, intellectual skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Lay out four numbered circles in order to form a square.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will roll the ball over the numbered circles in the proper order.
- You must keep your hands on the ball at all times.
- Once you reach the fourth circle, you will kick the pad four times with each leg.
- Takeaways:
- Roll over each number.
- Don’t lose the ball.
- Kick strong.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
4 Corner Challenge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: 4 Corner Challenge
Equipment needed: 4 wave bag cushions and 4 colored spots
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill, the students will practice their reactive memory skills with a race. This is great for teaching young students how to think and react quickly.
Steps:
- Set up four slammer targets – one in each corner of the training deck.
- Show the students each colored spot with the number.
- Place one spot on each wave bag with the number side down.
- Have the class stand in the middle of the training deck.
- The instructor will call out a number and the students will race to the correct corner. If they run to the wrong corner, they must sit down. (Designate an area that is not on the training deck for them to sit when they are out so that they are not in the way of the other students running.)
- If they are the last student to touch the cushion, then they are out too.
- The last student standing is the winner.
4 Corner Race
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: 4 Corner Race
Equipment needed: Four targets / Stopwatch
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the student will practice controlling their speed by racing the clock. This drill develops gross motor skills and coordination as well.
Steps:
- Place a target on each corner of the training mat.
- The first student will stand in one corner, and when you say “go” the student will race to each corner and tap the target, through all 4 corners.
- To calibrate the time that the students must beat, it is suggested that you pick one of your younger students to race and then round up their time to the nearest second.
- The goal is for every student to beat the time. Keep in mind that some students may trip or “miss” tapping a station and that will slow them down.
- Repeat the drill until every student has at least two turns.
Alligator!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Alligator!
Equipment needed: One ring per student and two foam swords per instructor
Instructors needed: Two
Description: In this drill the students will practice running around the mat. The alligators will chase the students around the mat as the students find an island for safety.
Steps:
- Place one ring per student in various spots around the mat.
- Have the students begin by standing on one side of the mat.
- Give each instructor two foam swords to use as the jaws of an alligator.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will race around the mat trying not to get eaten by the hungry alligators.
- When I say “island” you will race to the nearest island, which is one of the rings spread out on the mat.
- If someone is already standing in the ring nearest to you, then you must find an empty ring.
- If you get bitten by an alligator, you must go to the side and do 10 jumping jacks and then you can get back on the mat.
- Chase them around the mat for a total of 2 minutes.
Amazing Race!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Amazing Race!
Equipment needed: 4 different colored cones, 4 matching rings
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: This drill makes running simple and easy while challenging the students by creating a sense of urgency when they run. Explain to the students that taking big steps, keeping your head up and looking where you are going will make you super fast!
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Place the four cones about seven feet apart in the shape of a square. Next, place the colored rings inside the square but not close to the same color cone.
- Explain the rules:
- Position each student in the middle of the square.
- When you say “go!” the student will run to a ring then hurry to place it on top of the same color cone.
- Repeat until all circles are on matching cones
- Count to 10 to see which student can be the fastest while
Around the Square
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Around the Square
Equipment needed: 4 Cones per line
Instructors needed: 1 instructor per line
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by demonstrating their ability to run facing multiple different directions. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to run forwards, backwards, and sideways as quickly as they can.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Set up the drill:
- Have 4 cones set up in a square formation.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face one of the 4 cones.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will run forward to the 1st cone.
- From their they will shuffle to a side keeping their chest facing the same direction as they started.
- They will then have to back pedal to the next cone, and shuffle to the last cone.
- Takeaways:
- Take big steps so that you can run fast.
- Keep your eyes on the same wall or target the entire time.
- Don’t fall even when you change directions.
- Continue until each student gets 2 turns.
Balloon Chase
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Balloon Chase
Equipment needed: Two balloons per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The purpose of this drill is to teach the student how to sprint quickly. It will also build good hand-eye coordination and timing as well.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Stand a good distance away holding the balloons.
- Explain the rules:
- Throw one balloon in the air and call a student’s name.
- They must run to the first balloon and hit it in the air
- Next throw the other balloon
- They must then run to that balloon and hit that one in the air
- Alternate hitting the balloons until one hits the ground
- Count how long the student can keep both balloons in the air.
Carry the Log
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Carry the Log
Equipment needed: One wave bag cushion per pair
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will learn how to help each other by picking up the wave bag cushion and bringing it back to their spot the fastest. This is a great drill for teaching cooperation.
Steps:
- Pair up your students with a partner.
- Lay out one wave bag (per pair) on its side across the training deck.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will race to your wave bag cushion and pick it up with your partner.
- You both must carry the cushion back to your spot.
- Work together and don’t run too fast or else your partner might drop the pad.
- The first pair back to their spot with the cushion the fastest is the winner.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Cat and Mouse
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Cat and Mouse
Equipment needed: 4 cones per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will chase each other around the ring. This is great for helping the students build control, spatial awareness, and gross motor skills.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need to set up four cones approximately 6’ apart from each other to make a ring. Designate each cone 1- 4, with 1 being the starting cone.
- Explain the rules:
- One student will be the mouse and one student will be the cat.
- When I say “go” the mouse will start running around the cones.
- When the mouse reaches the second cone, the cat will begin to chase him/ her.
- If the cat catches the mouse before the mouse passes each cone twice then the cat wins. If not, then the mouse wins.
- You must stay on the outside of the cones.
- If you knock over any cones or run inside of the cones, then you must do 10 push-ups.
- Continue until each student has at least one turn to be the cat and the mouse.
Catch It
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Catch It
Equipment needed: One large ball per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The instructor will roll a big ball across the mat and the student must catch the ball before it reaches the other end of the mat. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need a large ball, such as a yoga ball.
- Explain the rules:
- I am going to start by rolling a big ball across the mat.
- When I say “go” you will try and catch the ball before it reaches the other end of the mat.
- Takeaways:
- Run fast.
- Hold on to the ball.
- Don’t let the ball go.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
- On each round, make the students wait a little longer before you say go so that they have to run a little faster.
Catch Me!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Catch Me!
Equipment needed: One wave bag cushion per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will work on developing their running skills by chasing an instructor around an obstacle. This drill will build basic motor skills and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need a wavemaster cushion or similar object.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will chase the instructor around the obstacle for 30 seconds.
- Your goal is to catch the instructor before time is up.
- If you catch the instructor, then he/ she must do 10 push-ups.
- If you knock the obstacle down, then you have to do 10 push-ups.
- Takeaways:
- Stay close to the bag.
- Run fast.
- Keep your eyes up.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Color Corners
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Color Corners
Equipment needed: 4 wave bag cushions and four colored cones
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: In this drill the students will practice racing around the mat. The instructor will have them run laps on the outside edge of the mat and they will call out a color. The students must race to the station with the matching color cone.
Steps:
- Set up four stations with one color cone on each station as shown in the picture.
- Have the student’s line up on the outside edge of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will race around the outside of the mat.
- When I call out a color, you will race to the station with the matching cone.
- The first student to touch the cone is the winner.
- Have them race around the mat for a total of 2 minutes.
Don’t Drop the Ice Cream
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Don’t Drop the Ice Cream
Equipment needed: 1 dodgeball/2 small cone per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by being able to balance an object in their hands as they are moving quickly down the mat.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have one small cone about 12’ from the students.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in line will stand up and use the cone and the dodgeball to make an ice cream cone.
- They will have to move down and around the cone without dropping the ice cream.
- If they drop it then they have to restart from the beginning.
- On round 2 have them pass the ice cream to the next person in line.
- Takeaways:
- Run as fast as you can without dropping the ice cream.
- Keep your eyes on the ice cream so you keep it balanced.
- Don’t give up if you have to try again
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Freeze Ball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Freeze Ball
Equipment needed: Yoga Ball
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by demonstrating their ability to run without crashing into others and being able to freeze when they get hit, this will help them physically and socially by working on their teamwork and stamina as they play the game.
Steps:
- Let the students spread out on the mat
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding the foam noodle.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will run around on the mat trying to avoid the yoga ball.
- If the ball hit them then they must freeze, they can unfreeze if they get tagged by a fellow ninja.
- The students win the game if there is one person left unfrozen at the end of a minute and a half.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes open to see your friends.
- Don’t fall then you’re easier to tag.
- Freeze if you get hit.
- Continue for at least 2 rounds.
Get the Color
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Get the Color
Equipment needed: 5 different colored spots per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will play a fun game that will challenge their memory while RUNNING, by collecting colored circles in order.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need to spread the 5 colored spots in a row a few feet apart.
- Have everyone sit opposite from the spots a good distance away.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call out 3 different colors.
- The student must run and quickly collect all three colored spots.
- You must collect them in the order they were called.
- Once you have collected all three spots, run them back to your instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Move your arms.
- Stop fast.
- Keep your eyes up.
- Continue until each student has gone twice.
Hand Off
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Hand Off
Equipment needed: One ball/pad per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will work on their RUNNING by sprinting to their friend trying to finish as quickly as they can.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each group you will need one ball or pad and one instructor to monitor.
- Form a circle, the instructor will start the game with the ball.
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go” you will run quickly to a friend and hand the ball to them.
- After you hand the ball off, quickly sit down.
- This will repeat until everyone is sitting.
- Takeaways:
- Hold the ball.
- Run fast.
- Hand the ball off nicely.
- Continue until each group has gone twice.
High 5 Switch
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: High 5 Switch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by demonstrating their ability to quickly run after waiting for a high 5, This will challenge their social stage of development by having them wait their turn before they run.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs and have them spaced 12 ft apart.
- For each pair an instructor in between both students.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student will stand up from their spot and run across the mat.
- When they reach the other student, they will high 5 them and take that students seat.
- The other student will run back across the mat returning to the previous student’s spot.
- Takeaways:
- Take big steps, to move faster.
- Wait your turn.
- Sit down when you’re done
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Hungry Hungry Ninjas
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Hungry Hungry Ninjas
Equipment needed: Multiple dodgeballs 1 Big Container per line
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by being able t move quickly to pick up as many dodgeballs as they can, but they can only ever pick up one dodgeball at a time.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Spread the dodgeballs all over the middle of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start on the outside of the mat with their line.
- When the instructor says “GO” the 1st ninja will stand up and run and grab one dodgeball and bring it back to their container.
- Then the next student will run and do the same thing, this will continue for 30 seconds.
- At the end of time the team with the most dodgeballs wins.
- Takeaways:
- Take big steps so you go faster.
- Watch out for your friends you don’t want to crash.
- Wait your turn only one person can go at a time.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Hustle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Hustle
Equipment needed: One ball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will learn the difference between RUNNING fast, medium, and slow. They will practice using varying degrees of intensity to catch up to the ball.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need an Instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will roll the ball slowly at first, down the mat.
- The student must run after the ball and bring it back as quickly as possible.
- Repeat rolling the ball at a medium, then fast speed.
- Takeaways:
- Run fast.
- Stop fast.
- Don’t fall.
- Continue until each student goes 3 times.
Land It
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Land It
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer pad & 1 Ring Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by demonstrating their ability to run and jump over an obstacle, while also having to land in a specific area. This will challenge the students physically by requiring them to use their leg muscles to jump high and control their landing.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the pad which will be laid horizontal 6’ in front of them.
- When the instructor says go the student must run and jump over the pad.
- They are aiming to land in the ring that was place 1’-2’ behind the pad.
- If they can stick the landing on round one you can move the ring back farther on round
- Takeaways:
- Take big steps as you run.
- Don’t slow down before your jump.
- Try your best not to fall.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Ninja Clean Up
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Ninja Clean Up
Equipment needed: 4 to 6 different targets with at least 4 sets of each
Instructors needed: One
Description: “When you work together, you do not fight. You also do not push or shove. In this drill, you are going to practice working together by picking up targets and putting them back where they belong.”
Steps:
- Assign each student to one set of targets.
- Throw the targets across the floor.
- Explain to your students that they will have to pick up their targets as fast as they can. BUT – while they are hurrying to pick up their targets, they cannot shove others and they cannot fight over the target.
- Give the command “go.” While they are picking up the targets as fast as they can, point out how well they are working together.
- When they are finished, compliment their efforts. Explain the importance of working together at home with their siblings and friends.
Ninja Freeze
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Ninja Freeze
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One
Description: “When you are running, you sometimes lose control of your body. You may accidentally run into someone else and hurt them, or hurt yourself. In this drill we are going to practice controlling our body when I say freeze.”
Steps:
- Have your student’s line up on one side of the training deck
- Stand on the opposite side of the deck with your back facing the students.
- When you are ready, say the following: “1 – 2 – 3 – NINJA FREEZE!”
- While you are counting, the students will start running toward you.
- Once you say the word “FREEZE!” turn around and look at the students.
- The students must freeze before you turn around and look at them.
- If they are moving, then they must sit down back at the starting line.
- Continue the drill until one of the students touches you without getting caught moving. If you catch everyone moving, then start the game over.
- To make class entertaining, you can let the winner be the new counter.
Ninja Line Up
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Ninja Line Up
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One
Description: “One way to have good discipline is to follow directions. A good student can follow directions quickly. In this drill we are going to test your skills by seeing how quickly you can follow my directions.”
Steps:
- Have your students sit quietly in the middle of the training deck.
- Explain that when you say the number “1” they must quickly grabs hands and form a circle in 5 seconds.
- Explain that when you say the number “2” they must make a straight line behind you within 5 seconds.
- Explain that when you say the number “3” they must line up on their marks within 5 seconds.
- Mix the numbers up to see if they can follow directions quickly.
Ninja Training
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Ninja Training
Equipment needed: 1 block, 1 bar, 1 cone, 1 bopper or foam sword
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: This drill is a lot of fun for this age group. Start by explaining that they will be practicing with a ninja sword! But before they can use the real thing, they must first practice with a foam sword.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Place the bar in the block so that it stands vertically, place the cone on top of the bar.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go” they must run and chop the cone over using the foam blocker
- Then they must run back
- Takeaways:
- Run fast.
- Stop fast.
- Have good aim.
- Continue until everyone has at least 3 tries.
- Try counting to 10 to see who can run down, chop, then run back the fastest.
Pick Up Challenge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Pick Up Challenge
Equipment needed: Six small cones per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will build gross motor skills by running around and picking up agility cones one at a time.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups with no more than four students per group.
- Designate an area of the training mat for each group and spread out six cones per group as shown in the picture.
- Place a mark on the mat next to each group for the students to start at.
- Pick one student from each group to go first.
- When you say “go” the students will run and pick up their cones one at a time and stack them on their mark.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see which student can pick up the cones the fastest.
Race to the Pad
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Race to the Pad
Equipment needed: One slammer pad per line
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will race to the slammer pads and then sit on it as quickly as possible. The purpose of this drill is to build self-control.
Steps:
- Explain to the students how to have good self-control and provide some examples as it relates outside of the school:
- Listen when people are talking to you
- Sit still when you are asked to
- Keep your hands to yourself
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line and have them line up on one end of the training deck.
- Set down one slammer pad on the opposite end of the training deck directly across from each line as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- Listen for the instructor to say “go”
- When the instructor says “go” run to your slammer pad and sit quickly
- Keep your hands in your lap
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- On the second round, make it a contest to see who can sit on their slammer pad the fastest.
Ring Race
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Ring Race
Equipment needed: 1 ring per student
Instructors needed: One
Description: “If you try hard at everything you do, then you will get stronger and smarter. This includes sitting still. In this drill you are going to pretend like you are a statue and sit as still as possible.”
Steps:
- Spread the rings around the training deck. Make sure you have one ring per student.
- Have the students sit in the middle of the training deck.
- When you say “1” the students must run to a ring and sit as still as possible (like a statue). Count to 10.
- Have the students sit back in the middle of the deck. Next when you say “2” the students must run to a ring and stand as still as they can. Count to 10.
- Continue the drill by having them run to a ring and sit like a master (on their knees with their arms crossed) when you say “3.”
- Repeat the drill by mixing up the numbers and compliment them for trying hard.
Running Back and Forth
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Running Back and Forth
Equipment needed: Two markers per student
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice running back and forth. This builds large motor skills and balance. At the same time, this drill builds spatial awareness which is the ability to be aware of oneself in a specific space, in this case is being aware of distance in between each lap.
Steps:
- Have each student stand on one end of the mat.
- For each student, place a marker on the ground for them to start on and also a marker on the opposite end of the training deck that they must run to.
- Explain the rules:
- You will run back and forth down the mat to your marker for three laps while using the three tips for running.
- The goal is for you to run back and forth down the mat as fast as you can.
- If you fall, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On their second turn, have them do ten kicks alternating legs when they reach the last lap.
Running Backwards
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Running Backwards
Equipment needed: Two cones
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice running backwards. This is a fundamental skill that most 3 and 4 year olds will struggle with at first. This builds large motor skills and balance. At the same time, this drill builds spatial awareness which is the ability to be aware of oneself in a specific space, in this case is being aware of space behind them.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, make a lane with cones, or if you have mats with lanes you can use them as shown in the picture with cones at the end of the lane.
- Explain the rules:
- You will run backwards down the mat while using the three tips for running backwards.
- The goal is for you to run backwards down the mat while staying in your lane.
- If you step out of your lane or if you fall, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn have them do ten kicks alternating legs when they reach the end of the lane.
Running in Circles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Running in Circles
Equipment needed: One large obstacle to run around
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice running in circles. This builds large motor skills and balance. At the same time, this drill builds spatial awareness which is the ability to be aware of oneself in a specific space, in this case, understanding the distance around objects in between each lap.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines with no more than four students per line.
- For each line, place an object on the ground that the students must run around.
- Explain the rules:
- You will run around the object five times while using the three tips for running backwards.
- The goal is for you to run around the object five times without bumping into the object.
- If you bump into the object or if you fall, then you must start over.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. Have them switch directions on the second turn. On the second lap, also have them do ten kicks alternating legs once they are done with their last lap.
Running in Various Directions
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Running in Various Directions
Equipment needed: Four small agility cones per lane
Instructors needed: One
Description: “Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. You need your feet to run, walk, skip, jump, and more. In this drill you are going to practice running forward, backwards, and side to side. The goal is to see if each of you can run in different directions, in a straight line, and without falling.”
Steps:
- Have your student’s line up on one side of the training deck.
- Use small agility cones to create lanes that the students must stay in.
- On your command the students will race to the other side of the deck staying in his or her lane.
- Repeat the drill running backwards.
- Repeat the drill running side to side.
Save the Turtles
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Save the Turtles
Equipment needed: One colored ring per student and 4 matching cones
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: In this drill the students will practice running around the mat and picking up objects. The students will each have four turtles spread out on the mat and a special island to place the turtles in a safe place. They must race and rescue each turtle (one at a time) and the first one finished is the winner.
Steps:
- For each student, lay out 4 cones on random areas of the mat along with a matching ring somewhere on the mat.
- It works best if you have four students go at a time, so if you have more than four students, split them into groups.
- To begin, have the students stand on one end of the mat. Assign each student a color that coordinates with the cones and ring on the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will race around and take your turtles to safe ground.
- You will pick up one turtle at a time and place it in the matching ring.
- You can only rescue the turtles that match your color.
- The first one to rescue all four turtles is the winner.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Shuttle Runs
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Running
Drill: Shuttle Runs
Equipment needed: 4 cones per line
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: “When we run we are making our heart beat faster. When our heart beats faster, our heart is getting stronger. In this drill you are going to do a fun relay race picking up cones while making your heart strong.”
Steps:
- Set up 4 cones in a straight line which are spaced approximately 4 to 5 feet apart from each other. Place a starting marker on one side of each line that is approximately 4 to 5 feet from the first cone.
- Line up 1 student on each starting marker.
- When you say “go” the students will run quickly to the first cone and pick it up, then run back and place the cone on the starting marker.
- They will continue this drill by running to the second cone and stacking it on top of the first cone back at the starting maker; and then the third cone; and finish with the fourth cone.
- Continue the drill until every student has at least two turns.
- Make sure you monitor them closely as some younger students may pick up all 4 cones at once.
Stack & Smash
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Stack & Smash
Equipment needed: 3 Blocks Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice RUNNING by demonstrating their ability to run quickly in multiple quick changing directions. This will challenge the students physically by having them quickly transition from one direction to another.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- For each line, you will need an instructor with the rings set-up in stepping motion down the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up next to their 3 blocks.
- When the instructor says go the student will grab the first block and run it to the other side of the mat.
- Once they get to the other side they must put the block down.
- They will repeat this process until they have stacked up all the blocks, then they get to front kick it down!
- To make the game more challenging add more blocks, for cooler towers.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your knee high when you kick.
- Make a nice tower so you can smash it at the end.
- Take big steps as you run.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Zig Zag Punches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Running
Drill: Zig Zag Punches
Equipment needed: 3 Wavemaster Tops & 3 blocks per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice RUNNING by demonstrating their ability to run in different directions while also focusing on punches. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to run fast while they also have to have strong punches.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Set up the drill:
- The 1st student will stand up facing the 3 staggered tops.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and run to the 1st bag and punch the block off the top.
- Then they will run to the next bag and punch the block off the top, they will continue this cycle until all blocks are off the top.
- If the student knocks a wavemaster down then they must restart.
- Takeaways:
- Take big steps so you can run faster.
- Keep your eyes, open so you can see what you’re punching.
- Use your brakes as you get close to the bag.
- Continue until each person get 2 turns.
Castle Stacker
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Castle Stacker
Equipment needed: 3 blocks / 1 ring per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice CATCHING by catching awkwardly shaped blocks without dropping any, if they can catch all 3 blocks then you can stack them up to make a castle. This will challenge them physically by making them should adjust to catching something that is weirdly shaped.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line have a ring 6ft in-front of the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student will stand up and run to the ring and face the instructor.
- The instructor will then throw the block 1 after the other and the students will catch them.
- At the end of 3 they should have a neat stack to bring back to the instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your stack neat.
- Keep your eyes on the block.
- Stay in the ring!
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Catch the Balloon
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Catch the Balloon
Equipment needed: One balloon per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching a balloon.
Steps:
- Divide the class into groups.
- Have the group of students sit on the side of the mat.
- Pick one student to go first and have that student sit on the mat.
- Stand approximately 4’ away with a balloon as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will stand up and run to the balloon.
- You must catch the balloon while it is still in the air.
- If you drop the balloon, then you have to do 3 squat jumps.
- If you do not drop the balloon, then I will do 3 squat jumps.
- Have the student go three times, sitting at least 2’ further each time.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Catching in a Circle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Catching in a Circle
Equipment needed: One large ball to toss
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching. This is a fundamental skill that most 3 and 4 year olds will struggle with at first. This builds hand-eye coordination and focus. At the same time, this drill builds distance awareness, which is an essential skill for all youthful Martial Artists.
Steps:
- Have the students make a big circle.
- Explain the rules:
- One student will begin by tossing the ball to the person next to him/ her.
- The student will catch the ball and then toss it to the person next to him/ her.
- If you toss the ball too hard or drop the ball then you must do three push-ups.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn have them take an extra step away.
Catching Targets
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Catching Targets
Equipment needed: Three small pads
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching. This is a fundamental skill that most 3 and 4 year olds will struggle with at first. This builds hand-eye coordination. At the same time, this drill builds distance awareness, which is an essential skill for all youthful Martial Artists.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay a stack of pads for the student to catch.
- Explain the rules:
- You will take three steps forward and then face the instructor.
- The instructor will toss the pad at you and you must catch it.
- If you drop the pad then you must do three push-ups.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn have them take four steps away.
Collect the Candy
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Collect the Candy
Equipment needed: 3 Paper Balls & 1 Cone per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will practice CATCHING by demonstrating their ability to catch multiple small objects. This will challenge them mentally by requiring them to use an object besides their hands to catch the small balls.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Set up the drill:
- Have an instructor in front of each student at least 3 steps away.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the instructor.
- The instructor will toss the 1st ball and the student must move the opening of the cone to catch the ball.
- The student must catch all 3 balls without losing any of the balls from previous catches.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the ball.
- Don’t stand still, make sure you’re moving around.
- Stay controlled as you move so you don’t lose any of the balls.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Crazy Bridge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Crazy Bridge
Equipment needed: 1 Dodgeball & 3 Slammer Pads
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice CATCHING by demonstrating their ability to catch a ball from varying distances while on top of an unstable surface. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to adjust to the different distances the ball will be coming from.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will face the 3 slammer pads that are spaced 3’ apart going down the mat.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will jump on to the first pad the instructor will throw the ball from the other side of the pads.
- The student will throw the ball back and continue that process until they reach the other side of the bridge.
- Takeaways:
- Make your arms into a basket so the ball is easy to catch.
- Throw the ball back nice.
- Keep your eye on the ball the entire time.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Crazy Catches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Crazy Catches
Equipment needed: Two focus mitts and one small square target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching an object with pads on his/ her hands.
Steps:
- Divide the class into groups.
- Have the group of students sit on the side of the mat.
- Pick one student to go first and have that student stand on the mat.
- Stand approximately 4’ away with a small square target as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- When I toss the pad in the air, you must try and catch it with your mitts.
- If you drop the pad, then you have to do 3 squat jumps.
- If you do not drop the pad, then I will do 3 squat jumps.
- Have the student go three times, standing at least 2’ further each time.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Elevator Catching
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Elevator Catching
Equipment needed: 2 kicking shields, 1 ball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their CATCHING by being challenged to do so while standing on an increasing amount of unstable pads.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one instructor to toss the ball and 2 kicking shields.
- Start with one pad on the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will stand on the first pad.
- The instructor will throw the ball 3 times so that the student can catch it.
- After the three catches, add another kicking shield and repeat.
- Takeaways:
- Stand still and strong.
- Eye on the ball.
- Hug the ball fast.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Ground Ball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Ground Ball
Equipment needed: One ball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill we will be teaching the student a new type of catching. Normally we throw the ball through the air to be caught. Now we will be rolling the ball making the student have to be in a different position working on spatial awareness, as well as, teaching them to focus on their body position.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one ball.
- Explain the rules:
- You will squat down with your arms extended.
- I will roll the ball straight to you, and you must catch the ball and bring it to your chest.
- After catching the ball, run the ball back to me for a high five.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Jumping Fish
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Jumping Fish
Equipment needed: One foam noodle per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching a foam sword “jumping fish” in the air.
Steps:
- Divide the class into groups.
- Have the group of students sit on the side of the mat.
- Pick one student to go first and have that student stand on the mat.
- Stand approximately 4’ away with a foam sword as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- When I toss the “fish” in the air, you must try and catch it with your hands.
- If you drop the “fish”, then you have to do 3 squat jumps.
- If you do not drop the “fish”, then I will do 3 squat jumps.
- Have the student go three times, standing at least 2’ further each time.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Kick Ball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Kick Ball
Equipment needed: 1 Dodgeball per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice CATCHING by demonstrating their ability to wait their turn as well as working with a partner to catch the ball.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have each team make a circle.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will pass the ball to the the students on the left or right.
- When the student has the ball they will do 2 front kicks and pass the ball in the same direction.
- This will continue until the ball gets all the way back to the instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Eyes on the ball.
- Control your throw don’t throw to hard.
- Hug the ball tight so you don’t drop it.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Mountain King
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Mountain King
Equipment needed: One ball and slammer pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The instructor will toss a ball across and the student must catch the ball while standing on a pad. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a ball and a slammer pad that is set approximately 6’ away.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to stand on the slammer pad.
- I am going to toss a ball to you.
- You will catch the ball 3 times.
- Let’s see how many tosses it takes for you to catch the ball three times.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
- On each round, you can move the target a little further away.
Ninja Dash
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Ninja Dash
Equipment needed: One ball per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The purpose of this drill is to teach good listening skills while reinforcing their ability to catch a ball at different distances.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have each student stand next to the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you must run forward super fast.
- When I say “stop” you must freeze and turn around and catch the ball, then run the ball back to me.
- Use varying distances to make it more challenging.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Pancake Catches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Pancake Catches
Equipment needed: One ring and rubber circle per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The instructor will toss a rubber circle and the student must catch it while standing in a ring. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a rubber circle and a ring that is set approximately 6’ away.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to stand in the ring.
- I am going to toss the circle to you.
- You will catch the circle in between your palms 3 times.
- Let’s see how many tosses it takes for you to catch the circle three times.
- Takeaways:
- Hug the dot.
- Eye on the dot.
- Stand strong.
- Continue so that each student has 3 turns.
- On each round, you can move the ring a little further away.
Partner Catches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Partner Catches
Equipment needed: 1 ball per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice CATCHING by demonstrating their ability to catch a ball from varying distances with a partner. This will challenge them socially by requiring them to work and share with a partner as they are trying to catch.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines w/ partners.
- Set up the drill:
- Have an instructor w/ the ball in front of the 2 ninjas.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will stand up with their partner.
- One student will start w/ the ball and then they will throw it to their partner, who will then throw it back.
- Once the ball is back with the 1st person the students will take 1 step back.
- They will repeat this process until they get to 3 steps apart.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eye on the ball.
- Control your throws so both people can play.
- Hug the ball when it gets close.
- Continue until each partnership has 2-3 turns.
Pass the Pizza
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Pass the Pizza
Equipment needed: One flat spot per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice their CATCHING in this drill by taking turns throwing and catching the ball back and forth to the person in the middle.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Form a circle with each group, depending on skill level of the students you can choose to have a student or instructor in the center of the circle.
- Explain the rules:
- The person in the middle will throw the ball gently to someone in the circle.
- That student will then gently throw the ball back to the person in the middle.
- You will continue all the way around the circle until everyone has had a turn.
- Then have someone new in the middle.
- Takeaways:
- Hug the dot.
- Eye on the dot.
- Throw it nice.
- Continue so that each student gets a chance in the middle.
Side to Side
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Side to Side
Equipment needed: 2 Colored Rings and 1 Ball Per Line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice CATCHING by running to the colored ring called by the instructor and then holding our hands out to catch the ball thrown by the instructor.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line set two different colored rings about 4-5ft apart.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call a color of a ring.
- The student must keep their belly facing the instructor as they run sideways to that ring.
- Put both feet in the ring and make sure your hands are ready.
- Then do your best to catch the ball when the instructor throws it.
- Finally, carefully toss the ball back to the instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Move fast from side to side.
- Keep your eyes on the ball.
- Make sure your arms are out and ready.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2 turns.
Stack It
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Stack It
Equipment needed: 3 Blocks per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice CATCHING by demonstrating their ability to catch awkwardly shaped objects without dropping them.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the 1st student stand up and face the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will throw the student 1 block if they catch it then they will put the block down by their side.
- The students will do the same thing on the 2nd block but the will stack it on top of the 1st.
- Once they have all 3 blocks stacked the student is allowed to knock the pads down. (W/ a karate move)
- Takeaways:
- Keep your arms open so the block has room.
- Keep your eyes on the block.
- Hug the block so you don’t drop it.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Standing Catches
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Standing Catches
Equipment needed: One ring, One ball per line
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: This drill teaches students how to throw and catch a ball straight up instead of haphazardly and be able to catch with ease. This is great for hand-eye-coordination, which applies to other sports and activities.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Place one hoop on the ground for each line and give the first student the ball while standing in the hoop.
- Explain the rules:
- You will throw the ball straight up.
- Without moving out of the circle, you must catch the ball.
- Try to throw the ball even higher on each throw.
- Takeaways:
- Throw it straight up.
- Keep your eye on the ball.
- Hug the ball fast.
- Continue so that each student has 3 turns.
Starfish
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 & 4 yrs)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Starfish
Equipment needed: 2 cones / 3 rings
Instructors needed: Multiple to Monitor
Description: The students will practice CATCHING by being able to position themselves to catch rings without using their hands. This will challenge them physically by having them get their hands in the right position so that they can build their coordination.
Steps:
- Have the students form lines.
- For each line you will need an instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will put the cones on their hands, so that they can’t use their fingers.
- The instructor will toss the rings and the students must catch the rings around their arms.
- On round 2 have the students take another step away from the instructor.
- Takeaways:
- Eyes on the ring.
- Move if you must.
- Keep your arms out.
- Continue for at least 2 rounds.
Think Fast!
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Think Fast!
Equipment needed: Two foam cubes or similar item.
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching. This is a fundamental skill that most 3 and 4 year olds will struggle with at first. This builds hand-eye coordination focus. At the same time, this drill builds distance awareness, which is an essential skill for all youthful Martial Artists.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, lay a stack of pads for the student to catch.
- Explain the rules:
- You will take three steps forward and turn your back to the instructor.
- The instructor will say “think fast” and you must turn around and face the instructor.
- The instructor will toss the pad at you and you must catch it.
- If you drop the pad then you must do three push-ups.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn have them take four steps away.
Throwback
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Throwback
Equipment needed: One dodgeball
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice their CATCHING in this drill by taking turns throwing and catching the ball back and forth to the person in the middle.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Form a circle with each group, depending on skill level of the students you can choose to have a student or instructor in the center of the circle.
- Explain the rules:
- The person in the middle will throw the ball gently to someone in the circle.
- That student will then gently throw the ball back to the person in the middle.
- You will continue all the way around the circle until everyone has had a turn.
- Then have someone new in the middle.
- Takeaways:
- Eye on the ball.
- Throw it soft.
- Hug it in your arms.
- Continue until each student gets a chance in the middle.
Under the Bridge
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: Catching
Drill: Under the Bridge
Equipment needed: 3 hurdles and three small pads per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The student will crawl under and obstacle and stand up. The instructor will toss a pad and the student must catch the pad in order to crawl under the next hurdle, and so forth. This will help the students build control, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need three small pads and three small hurdles spread approximately 3’ apart from each other.
- Explain the rules:
- You are going to crawl under the first hurdle and then stand up and face me.
- I am going to toss a pad to you.
- If you catch the pad, then you will crawl under the second hurdle and I will toss another pad to you.
- If you catch the pad, then you will crawl under the third hurdle and I will toss the final pad to you.
- Takeaways:
- Crawl fast and strong.
- Stand up fast.
- Hug the ball.
- Continue so that each student has 3 turns.
- On the third round, you can make it a contest to see who can make it to the third hurdle the fastest. If they do not catch the pad, then they are disqualified.
Graveyard
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4-years old)
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Fun Games: Graveyard
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several
Description: The students will try and be as still as possible without getting caught moving.
Steps:
- The instructors will be the ghosts.
- The rest of the class will lie down somewhere on the mat with their feet straight out and their hands by their side.
- Explain the rules:
- You will lie down still.
- If the ghosts see you move your feet, mouth, hands, or any other part of your body, then you are out and must sit against the wall.
- The last student left is the winner.
- Rules for the ghosts:
- The ghosts can try to make the students laugh.
- The ghosts cannot touch the students.
- After one-minute of play, tell the students that they cannot blink.
- You can make it fun by having the students and the instructors switch roles.
Ninja Freeze
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4-years old)
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Fun Games: Ninja Freeze
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several
Description: The students will try and sneak up to tag the instructor without getting caught moving.
Steps:
- Line up all of your students on one end of the mat.
- The instructor will line up at the opposite end with their back towards the students.
- Explain the rules:
- I will turn my back you and slowly say: “1-2-3-ninja FREEZE!”
- Once I start to count, you will sneak towards me.
- Once I say “FREEZE” I will turn around and look at you.
- If I catch you moving then you must start back from the starting point.
- I will continue until one of you tags me before I catch you moving.
- To make it fun, let the winning student become the next counter.
- You can also make it fun and challenging by using trickery when you count.
Ninja-ninja-turtle
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4-years old)
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Fun Games: Ninja-ninja-turtle
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One
Description: The students will take turns picking someone to chase them around the circle without getting tagged.
Steps:
- Have everyone make a big circle.
- Select one person to go first.
- Explain the rules:
- You will walk around the circle tapping each student gently on the top of the head as you say “ninja.”
- You will select one person by gently tapping them on the head and saying “turtle!”
- The turtle will chase you around the circle, and you will try to make it back and sit in the turtle’s spot.
- If the turtle tags you, then you go into the “mush pot” and everyone else gets to tickle you.
- You cannot change directions when you are running.
- You must sit in the turtles spot or else you go in the “mush pot.”
- Once you have a turn, you must place your legs straight out (to show you’ve had a turn) and you do not get another turn until everyone else gets a turn to be the turtle.
Four Corners
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Games: Four Corners
Equipment needed: 4 wavemaster cushions, Numbered spots, 1 Chair, 1 Blindfold
Instructors needed: 1-2 to monitor
Description: The students will race from corner to corner working on their listening skills, counting ability, and control.
Steps:
- Form your students into one large group.
- Place one cushion in each corner of the mat. Place a numbered spot on top of each cushion. The counter will sit in the chair in the middle of the mat, blindfolded.
- Explain the rules:
- The counter will count to 10.
- Students must quietly run to a corner before the counter is finished.
- When finished counting, he/she will pick a corner 1-4, everyone at this corner will be out and have to sit off to the side.
- Runners should run quietly so the counter cannot hear them.
- Do not knock over or bang on the pads.
- The last person “in” gets to be the next counter.
- Continue so that a couple students get to count.
Free For All Dodgeball
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Games: Free For All Dodgeball
Equipment needed: Plenty of soft dodgeballs
Instructors needed: 1-2 to monitor
Description: The students will work on their running and fine motor skills in this game by chasing and throwing the dodgeballs to hit each other.
Steps:
- Form the class into one large group.
- Divide the dodgeballs evenly among the class.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will call a name, and everyone has to try to get that person!
- Switch targets every 10 – 20 seconds.
- Continue until each student has two turns to be it!
- Make it more fun by having the students get the instructors!
Sit Tag
Program: Early SKILLZ (3 and 4 yrs.)
Skill: GAMES
Drill: Games: Sit Tag
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: 1-2 to monitor
Description: The students will play a game of tag while practicing their self-control and their running.
Steps:
- Form the class into one large group.
- The instructors will be “it”.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go” the instructors will try to tag the students.
- If you get tagged you must sit legs crossed where you got tagged and not move.
- The last student standing is the winner!
- Continue to play for a couple rounds with different winners each time.
Warm Ups
Run and Punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Run & Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their hearts by demonstrating their ability to quickly move their feet and throw strong punches.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start to jog in place.
When the instructor says “GO” the students will start to jog.
When the instructor says “GO” again the students will throw rapid fire punches.
They will continue to punch until the end of time.
3. Do you best to not fall while punching; if you fall you won’t get as strong
Running Man
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Running Man
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their hearts and coordination by demonstrating multiple switching punches.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will in a guarding stance and will throw a cross punch and freeze.
When the instructor says go the students will switch their hands and feet non-stop for 30 seconds or 10 reps.
The students should try their best to stick every punch, or sloppy punches.
3. Do your best to have good technique for the whole exercise.
Stand Up Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Stand Up Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their hearts and coordination by demonstrating their ability to stand up fast from their stomachs.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start laying on their stomach.
When the instructor starts counting the students will stand up as fast as they can.
When the students stand all the way up they will demonstrate 2 alternating kicks.
After the kicks the students will quickly drop down to their stomach.
3. Do your best to get all they to your feet before kicks.
Super Jacks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Cardio: Super Jacks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their hearts and coordination by demonstrating a jumping jack style exercise.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start by standing with their feet together.
They will spread their feet apart quickly and do a middle stance.
After the stance, they will bring their feet together and throw a punch.
Every rep they will alternate arms; continue for 10 reps or 30 seconds.
3. Do you best to bend your best to keep your knee tight before each kick.
Front Kick Hops
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Front Kick Hops
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs by holding themselves on 1 foot while also trying to demonstrate kicks and switches.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start by lifting one foot off the ground.
The student will then kick the foot in the air.
They will rechamber it and then jump and switch their chambers.
They will do this for 10 reps.
They want to do as many kicks as they can without putting their foot down.
3. Do you best to bend your best to keep your knee tight before each kick.
Mario Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Mario Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their legs by having to hold a difficult position while also demonstrating front kicks on both legs.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start on one knee.
The student will then try to lift the knee that is on the ground 3-4 inches off the ground.
Every time the instructor counts the students will kick with the lower leg.
After each kick they want to return the foot back to the lunge position.
After you do 10 kicks on 1 leg make sure you use the other.
3. Do your best to not fall over for the entire exercise, if you fall you won’t get as strong.
Superman Sit-Ups
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Superman Sit-Ups
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their core by demonstrating sit-ups while focusing on throwing a strong punch to the ceiling.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start by laying on their back.
The students will demonstrate a sit-up with their knees bent and feet on the floor.
On ever sit-up the students must throw a punch aiming towards the ceiling, don’t forget to switch arms each time.
Continue for 10 reps.
3. Do you best to not fall while punching; if you fall you won’t get as strong.
Zombie Seals
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Endurance: Zombie Seals
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their arms and core by holding their seal position while also holding punch.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will start by laying on their stomach.
The students will push-up with their arms while keeping their legs on the ground. (Seal Pos.)
Once they do this they will then punch 1 arm out and freeze in that position.
After 10 seconds, have them switch their arms.
3. Do your best to have good technique for the whole exercise.
Flying Ninja Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Flying Ninja Kicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their legs and build coordination by having them jumping off of one foot and kicking.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will put their kicking foot in front of them.
When the instructor starts counting, the students will do a jump front kick with their lead leg.
The students have to lift their back leg up before they can jump and kick with the front foot.
The students will do their best to jump off of one foot for this exercise.
3. Do you best to not fall down while kicking; if you fall you won’t get as strong.
Heisman Hops
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Heisman Hops
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their legs by demonstrating hopping on one foot and holding chambers.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
When the instructor starts counting, the students will hop from one foot to the other and hold a sidekick chamber.
Every time the instructor counts they will hop to the other foot and switching the chambers.
3. Do your best to not land on the ground hard, try and control your landing.
Knee Stand with Punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Knee Stand w/Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs while they have to stand up and do punches.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
The students will drop down on to both knees.
When the instructor counts the students will stand up and demonstrate 2 punches.
Once they finish the kicks they will go back down to their knees.
3. Do you best to stand up quickly so that your legs get stronger.
Sky Punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Plyometrics: Sky Punches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs and arms while jumping and punching.
Steps:
Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
Explain the rules:
When the instructor starts counting, The students will a big jump.
Once they reach the peak of their jump they will throw a punch toward the ceiling.
They will switch their arms every time that they punch.
3. Do you best to keep your head up and hands up while punching.
Front Stance Hold
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Front Stance Holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their legs by demonstrating their best front stances using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in by putting their feet shoulder width apart.
- They will then step straight ahead into a front stance with 1 foot.
- The student must hold the position for 10 seconds the switch his feet.
- Do you best to hold the front stance as low as you can.
Karate Chops
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Karate Chops
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students strengthen their arms by demonstrating their best karate chops using the best technique they can
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in their guarding stance.
- The students will demonstrate a karate chops every time the instructor counts.
- The students will kick as high and hard as they can.
- The students will alternate legs for 10 reps.
- Do your best to chop as hard and as fast as they can, while also using good technique.
Low Blocks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Low Blocks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their arms by demonstrating their best low blocks using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in their guarding stance.
- The students will demonstrate a low block every time the instructor counts.
- The students will block as fast and hard as they can.
- The students will alternate arms for 10 reps.
- Do your best to have a strong and fast block, while also using good technique.
Sidekicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: (Beta) Power: Sidekicks
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: A Few to Monitor
Description: The students will strengthen their legs by demonstrating their best sidekicks using the best technique they can.
Steps:
- Have the students stand on their spots where they start class.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will start in their guarding stance.
- The students will demonstrate a side kick every time the instructor counts.
- The students will kick as high and hard as they can.
- The students will alternate legs for 10 reps.
- Do your best to show all 4 parts to every single kick. (Chamber, Kick, Re-chamber, Return)
Sit-ups
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Abs Exercise: Sit-ups
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by lifting their shoulders off the ground for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs with their arms crossed on their chests.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your shoulders off the ground, and then lower them back to the ground.
- Keep your arms crossed on your chest at all times.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to bring your elbows to your knees, not knees to elbows.
Shoulder Taps
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Arm Exercise: Shoulder taps
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their body off the ground with their palms and feet, while tapping their shoulders, alternating arms for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students hold their body up with their palms and feet, keeping their back straight as if they are in push-up position.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will tap your left shoulder with your right hand, and then tap your right shoulder with your left hand.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Make sure you keep your back straight at all times.
- Slightly widen your feet for better balance.
Beginner Bridge Side Taps
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Core Exercise: Beginner bridge side taps
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and their feet, while tapping the side of their legs, alternating their arms for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students raise their body off the ground with the palms of their hands and their feet as if they were a table.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you tap the side of your leg with your hand, alternating arms.
- Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to keep your belt up high while reaching as far across your body to reach your shoulder.
Beginner Squats
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Active Leg Exercise: Beginner squats
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by lowering their body in a squat position with their arms extended in front of them for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended in front of them, parallel to the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will lower your body into a deep squat position while your arms remain extended in front of you, and then raise your body back up.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try not to bend your knees too far when you squat.
Sit-ups with legs in the air
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Abs Exercise: Sit-ups w/ legs in the air
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by holding their knees off the ground as they lift their shoulders off the ground for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs with their arms crossed on their chests and legs off the ground with their knees bent.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your shoulders off the ground and bring your head to your knees, and then lower them back to the ground.
- Keep your arms crossed on your chest at all times.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to bring your elbows to your knees, not your knees to your elbows.
Triple-shoulder taps
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Arm Exercise: Triple-shoulder taps
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their body off the ground with their palms and feet, while tapping their shoulders three times with the same hand and then alternating arms for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students hold their body up with their palms and feet, keeping their back straight as if they are in push-up position.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will tap your left shoulder with your right hand three times, and then tap your right shoulder with your left hand three times.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Make sure you keep your back straight at all times.
- Try to place your hand back on the ground between each shoulder tap.
Squat Jumps
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Dynamic Leg Exercise: Squat jumps
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by lowering their body in a squat position and touching the ground and then jumping for ten reps.
Steps:
- Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will lower your body into a deep squat position and touch the ground, and then jump as you reach for the sky.
- You will do this for ten reps.
- Try to jump higher and higher each rep.
Beginner dish holds
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Abs Exercise: Beginner dish holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by raising their shoulders off the ground.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their backs with their arms to their sides.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your shoulders off the ground.
- Try to keep your feet together and try not to bend your knees.
- You will hold the beginner dish position and count to ten.
- While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.
Beginner push-ups holds
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6-yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Arm Exercise: Beginner push-up holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their body off the ground with their palms, while on their knees.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders, and knees bent so that their toes are points towards the ceiling.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your body off the ground with your palms, while keeping your knees, hips, and head aligned.
- Make sure your toes remain pointed towards the ceiling.
- You will hold the beginner push-up position and count to ten.
- While counting, try not to move your body at all.
Beginner Bridge Holds
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Core Exercise: Beginner bridge holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and their feet.
Steps:
- Have your students sit with their palms on the ground at their side (fingers pointed forward); and their knees up with their feet flat on the floor (toes pointed forward).
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will raise your body off the ground with the palms of your hands and your feet, as if you were a table.
- Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.
- You will hold the beginner bridge position and count to ten.
- While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.
Beginner Squat Holds
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Static Leg Exercise: Beginner squat holds
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by holding their body in a squat position with their arms extended in front of them.
Steps:
- Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended in front of them, parallel to the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will lower your body into a deep squat position while your arms remain extended in front of you.
- You will hold the beginner squat position and count to ten.
- While counting, try not to move your body.
Donkey-kongs Down the Mat
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Abs Exercise: Donkey-kongs down the mat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build abdominal strength by pulling their body down the mat by placing their hands on the mat in front of them and then using their abdominal muscles to pull their feet up to their hands.
Steps:
- Have your students stand on one end of the mat with their feet together.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will place your palms on the ground as far in front of you as possible without letting your feet come apart. Then, using your abdominal muscles, you will pull your feet off the ground towards your palms coming as close to your palms as possible.
- You will do this down the mat.
- Keep your knees together and pull them through your arms.
Advanced army crawls down the mat
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Arm Exercise: Advanced army crawls down the mat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build arm strength by dragging their body down the mat using only their forearms while their feet are crossed and held off the ground.
Steps:
- Have your students lay on their bellies on one end of the mat, with their forearms on the floor making a tight fist, and feet crossed and lifted off the ground.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will drag your body across the mat using your forearms, while keeping your feet crossed and off the mat.
- You will do this all the way down the mat.
- Do your best to go fast and not use your knees!
Forward crab crawls down the mat
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Core Exercise: Forward crab crawls down the mat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and their feet, while walking down the mat.
Steps:
- Have your students sit on one end of the mat and raise their body off the ground with the palms of their hands and their feet as if they were a table.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will walk down the mat keeping your bottom off the ground at all times.
- Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.
- You will do this down the mat.
- While walking down the mat, keep your fingers pointing towards your toes.
Jack-in-the-hox down the mat
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: WARM UPS
Drill: Ultimate Leg Exercise: Jack-in-the-box down the mat
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will build their leg strength by stepping down the mat in a lunge position while holding their hands behind their head.
Steps:
- Have your students stand on one end of the mat with their hands behind their head.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say, “go” you will step forward and lower your back knee towards the ground and then stand back up, alternating legs on each step.
- Keep your hands behind your head at all times.
- You will do this all the way down the mat.
3. Focus on doing your best, not finishing first!
Stretches
Arm Circles
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Arm Circles
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their ACTIVE stretching focusing on the range of movement in their shoulders.
Steps:
Divide your students into lines.
Explain the rules:
Swing your arms in large circles to the front.
Repeat for 10 reps then switch directions.
3. Continue for 2 sets.
Cross over toe touches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Cross over toe touches
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their ACTIVE stretching by targeting their Hamstrings.
Steps:
Divide your students into lines.
Explain the rules:
From a standing position cross one leg over the other, keeping feet close together.
Place one hand over the other and lean forward to touch your toes.
Touch your toes 10 times.
3. Continue for 2 reps, switching legs.
Side Lunges
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Side Lunges
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their ACTIVE stretching by focusing on their Hips and Inner leg.
Steps:
Divide your students into lines.
Explain the rules:
Stand with feet together.
Step out to the side with one foot.
Bend your knee while keeping your hands on the floor.
Hold for 10 seconds then switch.
3. Continue for 2 reps.
Ski Stretch
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Active Stretching: Ski stretch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their ACTIVE stretching focusing on the range of movement in their knees.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet together.
- Place your hands on your knees.
- While keeping your knees together, move them in a large circular clockwise motion.
- After 10 reps switch direction.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Ball Roll
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Ball Roll
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their DYNAMIC stretching by rolling back and forth in a ball position to focus on their back.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit with your feet in front, and knees bent.
- Hug your knees close to your chest.
- Without rolling over on your side, lean back and rock back and forth.
- Continue for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Inch Worm Hops
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Inch Worm Hops
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their DYNAMIC stretching by crawling like an inchworm stretching their hamstrings.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet together.
- Walk your hand forward on the floor until you are in a push up position.
- Keeping your knees straight, hop landing with your feet between your hands.
- Focus on not lifting your hands off the ground when you hop.
- Continue all the way down the mat.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Middle Split push ups
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Middle Split Push Ups
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their DYNAMIC stretching by performing a push up from the middle split position.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Go to a middle split position with your hands between your legs.
- Move your hands forward into push up position.
- Perform a good push up, and then walk your hands back to the original starting position.
- Perform 10 sit ups.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Side Leg Swings
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Dynamic Stretching: Side leg swings
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their DYNAMIC stretching by swinging their leg up to the side focusing on flexibility in their hips and inner thigh.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
- Keep your leg straight while you swing your leg to the side, as high as you can.
- Focus on not bending your knee.
- Perform 10 reps on each side.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Butterfly Partner Pull
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Butterfly Partner Pull
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PARTNER stretching by sitting in butterfly stretch position while your partner pulls your arms.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit in butterfly stretch position while your partner does the same facing you.
- Hold hands while one partner slowly leans back pulling the other partner.
- Hold for 10 seconds then alternate.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Kneeling Partner Push
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Kneeling Partner Push
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PARTNER stretching by sitting on their knees reaching forwards while their partner gently pushes them further.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Kneel down on both knees and sit back on your feet.
- Bring your chest down to your knees while reaching forwards with your hands.
- Your partner will place their hands on your back and gently push you forwards.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Sitting Elbow Pull
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Sitting Elbow Pull
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PARTNER stretching focusing on their chest and shoulder flexibility with the assistance of their partner pulling gently backwards on their elbows.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit with your feet crossed; place your hands behind your head while pointing your elbows out to the side.
- Your partner will stand behind you and gently pull your elbows backwards stretching your chest and shoulders.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Stradled Partner Pull
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Partner Stretching: Straddle Partner Pull
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PARTNER stretching by facing each other in straddle position and pulling your partner’s belt arms.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit in a straddle position facing your partner with your feet on their ankles or inner knee.
- Reach forward and grab their arms.
- Lean back pulling your partner’s arms to help stretch their hamstrings.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 sets.
Back Bends
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Back Bends
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PASSIVE Stretching focusing on the Back, Hamstrings and Calves.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet wide apart.
- Place hands on your hips.
- Keeping your head up, bend as far back as you can without falling over.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 reps.
Sitting Elbow Pull
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Bow and Arrow
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PASSIVE Stretching focusing on their Deltoid.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Cross one arm across your body.
- Use the opposite arm to hold it to your chest locking arms at the elbows or slightly higher.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 reps on each side.
Front Leans
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Front leans
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PASSIVE Stretching focusing on the Back, Hamstrings and Calves.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Stand with feet together.
- Exhale out as you slowly lean forward.
- Do not reach for your toes, simple let your body hang while stretching your Back, Hamstrings, and Calves.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 reps.
Middle Split
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: STRETCHES
Drill: Passive Stretching: Middle Split
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: None
Description: The students will work on their PASSIVE Stretching focusing on the Lower body.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- From a standing position place hands on the floor.
- Slowly slide your feet out to the sides.
- Stop when your knees start to bend.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Continue for 2 reps.
Drills Form
Bulls-eye
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Bulls-eye
Equipment needed: One wavemaster pad, one block, one ring per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their focus by learning to perform straight punches. This will also develop hand eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Place the block on top of the wavemaster pad, one step away at the same level have the instructor hold the ring.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will have three chances to punch the block.
- The goal is to punch straight so the block flies through the ring.
- Takeaways:
- Hit the pad in the middle.
- Punch straight.
- Punch hard for more distance.
- Continue until every student has three turns.
Crawl, Kick, Jump Relay
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Crawl, Kick, Jump Relay
Equipment needed: One obstacle to crawl and jump over and a kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will apply focus to a fun relay race. The students will race to crawl under an obstacle, kick a target ten times and then jump over the obstacle. This is a fun drill that builds focus with their body.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines.
- For each line, you will need an obstacle set up and an instructor holding a target on the opposite end of the mat.
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go, ” you will:
- Run to the other end of the mat
- Crawl under the obstacle
- Kick the target ten times
- Jump over the obstacle
- Run back and high-five the next person in line
- When the instructor says “go, ” you will:
- The students must focus with their body and not knock the obstacle over. If they do, then they must do three squat jumps before continuing.
- The winning line is the first line to finish and sit in a straight line with their legs crossed and their hands on their knees.
Crazy punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Crazy Punches
Equipment needed: 1 Belt, 1 Dodgeball, some electrical tape per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will work on their ability to FOCUS with their eyes and hands by spotting a moving object and trying to punch it as many times as possible in 10 seconds.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- Securely tape one end of the belt to the ball
- Have each instructor stand off to the side while hanging the ball in front of the student.
- Explain the rules:
- Each student will stand in a middle stance, with their hands in the chamber position for a punch.
- They will have 10 seconds to punch the ball as many times as they can
- You must stay in your middle stance the entire time
- On round 2, the instructor can move the ball lower or higher as it swings back and forth.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t use all your power or the ball will go too far and you can’t hit it.
- Keep your eyes on the ball the whole time.
- Make sure each retraction hand makes its way back to your side
- Continue until each student gets 3 turns.
Fancy Feet
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Fancy Feet
Equipment needed: 1 ring, 1 Wavemaster top and 1 slammer pad for each line
Instructors needed: 1 instructor for each line
Description: The students will work on their FOCUS by demonstrating proper chambers and foot positioning without dropping their ring.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- Place one hand on the Wavemaster top for balance and the other hand in guard.
- Chamber one leg and place the ring around that foot.
- Kick the slammer pad with only the ball of the foot (front kicks) for 3 reps, without touching your foot to the floor or dropping your ring.
- You have 2 chances to make it to 3.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chamber knee high.
- Extend through the ball of your foot.
- Don’t kick so fast that you drop the ring.
- Continue for 2 sets, switching legs on the second round.
Going Going Alone
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Going Going Gone
Equipment needed: 3 small targets per line
Instructors needed: 1 instructor for each line
Description: The students will practice their focus by learning to judge distance and timing while punching.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have the instructors start from one step away.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructors will throw the pad.
- The student must punch the pad so that it will fly straight forward.
- Then the instructor will take another step away and then throw the second pad.
- If successful, take one more step away and throw the final pad.
- Takeaways:
- Focus on the pad.
- Punch in the middle.
- Re-chamber your punch.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
- Hot Feet
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Hot Feet
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill students will work on developing FOCUS with their feet by watching their instructor and quickly following along without getting left behind.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have each instructor face their line in a guarding stance
- Explain the rules:
- Instructors will use proper footwork moving forward and backwards 5 times.
- Keep your eyes on the instructors feet so you know which way to move.
- Students must mirror the instructor’s footwork and maintain a consistent distance.
- If you fall behind or don’t move back within 2 seconds you are out!
- On round 2 go until you make a mistake.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on your instructor so you don’t miss out.
- When moving forward, the front leg moves first.
- When moving backwards, the back leg moves first.
- Continue until each student has 2-3 turns.
Knee the Block
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Knee the Block
Equipment needed: One foam block per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will develop their focus skills by kneeing a block in the air and then catching it.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a small foam block.
- Explain the rules:
- You will toss the foam block in the air and hit it upwards with your knee.
- Once you knee the block in the air, you will have to catch the block.
- You will do this five times.
- Your goal is to see how many times you can knee the block and catch it without the block touching the ground.
- Takeaways:
- Bring your knee up high.
- Keep your eye on the block.
- Keep your hands by your eyes.
- Continue until every student has three turns.
- On the second turn, have the student start over if the block touches the ground.
- On the third round, make it a competition to see who can knee the block and catch it as many times in a row.
Knock the Block
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Knock the Block
Equipment needed: One wavemaster cushion and block per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will build their focus skills by punching a block off a cushion with accuracy.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need the top of a wavemaster cushion or stack of pads with a foam block sitting on top, and an instructor approximately three steps away.
- Explain the rules:
- You will lay on your back with your head towards the cushion.
- When I say “go” you will jump to your feet and punch the block to your instructor.
- Your goal is to punch the block right in the center with the proper part of your hand.
- If you hit the block properly, then the block should fly directly into your instructor’s hands, making it easy to catch.
- Takeaways:
- Punch the block hard.
- Punch the block straight.
- Stand up fast.
- Continue until every student has three turns.
- On the second and third turn, make it a contest to see who can punch the block to their instructor the fastest.
Know Your Foot
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Know Your Foot
Equipment needed: One slammer pad per line
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill the students are going to kick the pad with all three kicks using the three parts of their foot.
Steps:
- Have your students make a straight line. You may need two lines depending on the size of the class.
- Teach the students how to kick the slammer pad with a round kick hitting the target with the top of the foot.
- Teach the students how to kick the slammer pad with a front kick using the ball (or bottom of the foot).
- Teach the students how to kick the slammer pad with a side kick using the heel.
- Now randomly call out a kick and the student must react fast and kick with the appropriate part of the foot.
Ladder Kicks with Jumps
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Ladder Kicks With Jumps
Equipment needed: One obstacle and kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will focus on jumping, kicking, and counting. The students will have to jump over an obstacle and then kick a target, starting with one kick, all the way up to five kicks. This is a great drill for helping the students concentrate both physically with kicking and jumping, but at the same time intellectually because they have to keep track of their kicks
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, you will need an obstacle set up and an instructor holding a target. If you do not have the same obstacle, you can use a pad or a stack of pads.
- Explain the rules:
- You will jump over the obstacle and kick the target once. Then you will jump over the obstacle and kick the target twice (alternating legs) and so forth up to five kicks.
- If you knock over the obstacle, then you must do three squat jumps.
- If you mess up on your counting then you must do three squat jumps.
- On the second round, make it a competition to see who can reach five kicks the fastest.
Math Kick
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Math Kicks
Equipment needed: One kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will solve a simple math problem and then kick the target equal to the sum of the math problem. This is a great way to teach your students math!
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines with no more than four to a line.
- The first student in line will have to solve a simple math problem. For example: What is 2 + 2? Stick with math problems that only include numbers 1 – 5.
- Many of your younger students will have a hard time figuring them out, so show them how to use their fingers to add.
- Once they solve the problem, have them kick the target equal to the sum of the math problem.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
- You can add variety by changing the technique to a different kick, strike, or even block.
Missed Me
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Missed Me
Equipment needed: Three small square targets
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: One student will punch the pad as the other student dodges the pad.
Steps:
- Pair your students up with a partner and divide the pairs into groups.
- You will need an instructor to hold the pads and three small targets for each group.
- Explain the rules:
- One person will stand against the wall and then other will stand approximately 6’ away.
- The instructor will hold the target as the student punches the target at their partner.
- The person against the wall must dodge the target.
- If you get hit, then you have to do five jumping jacks.
- After the student punches all three targets, have them switch roles.
Ninja Dodgeballs
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Ninja Dodgeball
Equipment needed: One dodgeball per line
Instructors needed: Two per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice having focus with their body as they dodge balls that are punched at them. This is a great drill for teaching the students how to dodge small objects
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor that will punch the dodge ball at the student, and an assistant to help retrieve the ball.
- The first student in line will stand against the mirror or wall. The instructor will be at least 4 steps away.
- The instructor will toss the ball in the air and then punch the ball aiming at the student. The student must dodge the ball.
- If the student gets hit, then he/ she will have to do 3 push-ups.
- Do this at least 5 times.
- You can make it fun by having the instructor do 10 push-ups if he/ she cannot hit the student with any of the shots.
- You can make it even more challenging by having the student switch roles with the instructor.
Ninja Ears
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Ninja Ears
Equipment needed: One wave bag or similar target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the student will practice using focusing with their ears as they keep their eyes closed and have to follow the commands they hear. This is great for teaching the students how to listen carefully to commands.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines.
- The first student in each line will stand in front of the wave bag in striking distance and close their eyes.
- The instructor will call out left or right punch and the student must hit with the correct hand.
- If the student punches with the wrong hand, then he/ she will have to do 3 push-ups for each mistake.
- Do this at least 5 times.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- Repeat the drill by calling out left or right kick.
- You can make it challenging by calling out combinations.
- You can make it even more challenging by giving the left and right hand and feet names. For example:
- Orange – left punch
- Apple – right punch
- Banana- left kick
- Grape – right kick
Ninja Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Ninja Kicks
Equipment needed: 1 blindfold, ring, and kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice kicking a target while blindfolded. This is great for teaching your students how to focus on technique without using their eyes.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- The first student in line will place a blindfold around their eyes and stand in the middle of a ring as shown in the picture.
- The student will kick the target ten times, alternating legs on each kick. If the student steps out of the ring, or doesn’t chamber properly for each kick, then he/ she must do ten jumping jacks.
- The goal for this drill is to teach the student how to focus on their leg chambers while at the same time making it fun and challenging.
- You can make it fun by having the instructor do ten jumping jacks if the student does all of the kicks correctly without stepping out of the ring.
Ninja Rings
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Ninja Rings
Equipment needed: 2 rings for each line
Instructors needed: 1 instructor for each line
Description: The students will work on their FOCUS by demonstrating proper punches and chambers without dropping their rings.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need two bars attached like a plus sign, and an instructor holding a kicking target on the other side of the bars
- Explain the rules:
- I will hold the kicking target either above the bar on the left or right, or below the bar on the left or right.
- You will kick the target with the proper leg ten times in a row.
- Your goal is to kick the target with the proper leg and without touching the bar.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your chamber high.
- Take your time and aim.
- Keep your ground leg strong.
- Continue until every student has three turns.
- On the second turn, have the student start over if they kick the target with the wrong leg, or if they hit the bar.
- On the third turn, make it a contest to see who can kick the target ten times the fastest. If they kick with the wrong leg or hit the bar then they are automatically disqualified.
Pad Rop Challenge
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Pad Drop Challenge
Equipment needed: Three small targets and one chair per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will try and punch the target as the instructor drops it in the air.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines.
- For each line, set up a chair for the instructor to stand on and stack three small targets next to the chair.
- Explain the rules:
- You will stand right next to the chair.
- As the instructor drops the pad, you will punch the target.
- If you miss, then you have to do 3 push-ups.
- Continue until each student has two turns. Make sure that the students switch hands on the second turn.
- You can make it a contest to see who can punch the target the farthest.
Pattern Punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Pattern Punches
Equipment needed: 2 Rings Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice FOCUS by having to demonstrate multiple punches through rings, the challenge is remember the order you’re supposed to punch the rings.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the students facing the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will face the rings.
- The instructor will call out the different ring colors, the students will have to be able to punch through the ring without hitting it.
- The goal is for the student to cross the lateral plane as they play this game.
- On round 1 have the students do one color 3 times, every round after that add one more punch so on round 3 they do 3 punches 3 times.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the rings
- Do your best to FOCUS on the colors the instructor says
- Keep your hands up so you can punch faster
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Pop Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Pop Kicks
Equipment needed: 2 Clapper pads per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill we will help students develop a solid chamber for their front kicks by holding one pad that their knee must touch and another that they will kick after touching the first with their knee.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- Have each instructor stand in front, but off to the side of each student.
- Hold both pads at waist level, with one at a knee’s distance and the other at kicking distance.
- Explain the rules:
- The student will knee the first pad 3 times saying “pop” at the same time.
- Try to make the pad make a popping sound.
- Then touch the first pad with the knee again, but kick as well AFTER touching the first pad.
- Continue for a total of 3 kicks.
- On round 2, use the other leg.
- Takeaways:
- Try to make the pad pop with your knee each time.
- Don’t knee completely through the pad.
- Snap your kick and yell!
- Continue until everyone has 2-4 turns.
Quick Fire
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Quick Fire
Equipment needed: One ring per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will focus on building good aim. The students will side kick through a ring as quickly as possible without hitting the ring. This is a great drill for developing distancing and concentration.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several lines.
- For each line, you will need an instructor holding a ring.
- Explain the rules:
- You will sidekick through the ring as quickly as possible when the instructor says “go.”
- If you hit the ring, then you must do three squat jumps.
- You have five tries with each leg. If you do not hit the ring at all, then the instructor will do five push-ups.
- Once everybody has a turn, make it a competition to see who can do the most sidekicks in fifteen seconds. If they hit the ring then that kick doesn’t count.
Rocket Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Rocket Kicks
Equipment needed: 1 Clapper pad & 1 Ring per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice FOCUS by demonstrating their ability to use focus with their body and ears. This will challenge them physically by requiring them to quickly stop kicking and have a seat when the instructor says.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an Instructor holding a clapper pad
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student in each line will stand with both feet inside the ring.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will demonstrate alternating front kicks while staying in the ring.
- When the instructor says “STOP” the students must stop kicking and sit down inside the ring.
- If the student steps out of the ring they are disqualified for that round.
- First student to sit down and say finished sir/ma’am wins.
- Takeaways:
- Listen for the correct time to sit down.
- Have strong kicks the entire time.
- Go as fast as you can to make it a challenge.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2-3 turns.
Shadow Ninjas
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Shadow Ninjas
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: In this drill the students will practice having great focus with their eyes by following every move the instructor makes. This is great for teaching the students how to pay attention and respond quickly to visual demonstrations.
Steps:
- Spread your students around the training deck spaced apart so that they cannot kick or strike the students next to them.
- The instructor will perform one move at a time as the students follow. To make it challenging, have the students call out the name of each move.
- Continue for 10 to 15 moves.
- Next, begin to use 2 and 3 move combinations.
- Continue for 10 to 15 combinations.
- To make it even more challenging, go super fast and see if the students can follow along.
- You can make it fun by having some of the students volunteer to be the leader.
Splat
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Splat
Equipment needed: 1 kicking shield per line
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: The students will practice their focus using their ears to listen as well as working on doing something fast but without cheating.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- You will need to lay one kicking shield per line in front of the lines.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “splat” they must drop down touching their stomach to the pad.
- Then jump back up and yell “hi-ya”
- The first to do so wins.
- Takeaways:
- Yell loud so you don’t get hurt.
- Listen for the word SPLAT.
- Drop to your stomach fast.
- Continue until every group has three turns.
Squish Squish Squash
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Squish Squish Squash
Equipment needed: 1 kicking shield, 3 bug stickers per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill we will help the students FOCUS on punching with the proper part of their hands while alternating hands and levels.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- For each line, place 3 bug stickers (high, medium, and low) on each kicking shield.
- Have one instructor hold each pad.
- Explain the rules:
- Have the first student in line go to a middle stance.
- When the instructor says “go” they will punch 3 times alternating hands.
- On punch 1 they will say “squish”, on #2 “squish”, on #3 “squash”
- Make sure to hit each bug with the front part of your hand.
- Continue for 3 reps, or a total of 9 punches.
- Takeaways:
- Stay as low as you can in your stance.
- Punch fast or the bugs will get away.
- Use only the front part of your fist.
- Continue until everyone has 2-4 turns.
Strike Zone
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Strikezone
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice FOCUS by demonstrating their ability to hit multiple different zones on a pad. This will challenge the students mentally by forcing them to hit and remember the different zones on the pad.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need and instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st student will stand up and face the pad.
- The instructor will go over the different zones of the pad, which are high, middle, and low.
- The instructor will call out a combo of 3 zones and the students must hit each of the zones using alternating punches.
- If the student can get all 3 zones correct they get a point.
- On the following rounds if you want to go up to 4 zones you can.
- Takeaways:
- Hit the pad hard every time.
- Make sure you listen for the different zones.
- Keep your fist tight the whole time, no doughnut hands.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2-3 turns.
Tap Drill
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Tap Drill
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One instructor per line or group
Description: In this drill the instructor will tap the student on either their leg or arm and they must react quickly with a punch or kick using the body part that the instructor taps.
Steps:
- You can set up this drill several ways: as a line drill, sitting in a circle, or lined up as a group.
- You will walk behind each student and tap him (or her) on the left arm or right arm. The student will react as quickly as possible by punching with the arm that you tap.
- Repeat the process by tapping either the left or right leg (make sure you use caution when tapping the student’s leg).
- Repeat the process by tapping either the left or right arm or leg.
Target Practice
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Target Practice
Equipment needed: 4 small square targets (per line), a cone, and a wave bag cushion (removed from the base), or a chair
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill the students are going to strike targets aimed at hitting a cone by hitting in a straight line and using the first two knuckles.
Steps:
- Have your students make a straight line. You may need two lines depending on the size of the class.
- (For each line) Set a cone on the wave bag cushion. You can substitute the cushion with a chair. Stack four square targets approximately three steps from the cone.
- You will hold the square targets at your student’s shoulder level directly in front of him (or her). The student will strike the target and try to knock the cone off the cushion (or chair). He (or she) will get four tries.
- Continue the drill until each student has at least two turns. Make sure your students are hitting with the proper knuckles. Also teach them to strike in a straight line. Each student should be able to hit at least one cone.
Whack-A-Toe
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Whack-A-Toe
Equipment needed: 1 Clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice FOCUS by demonstrating their ability to switch their feet quickly to avoid their toes getting hit by a pad.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the students in a guarding stance facing the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will face have to demonstrate 5 fast switches as the instructor tries to smack their feet.
- The instructor can go at random times so if the student loses FOCUS then their foot may get hit.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your eyes on the pad.
- Move your feet off the ground to switch faster.
- Try not to fall then we don’t get stronger.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
4 Corner Race
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: 4 Corner Race
Equipment needed: 4 Obstacles
Instructors needed: One to monitor
Description: The students will build their teamwork skills by working together in a fun race. This is a great way for the students to also build good social skills.
Steps:
- Pair your students up with a partner.
- Place an obstacle in each corner, such as a wave bag cushion, and assign each corner a number.
- Explain the rules:
- The first pair to the corner has the best teamwork.
- Your goal is to work together as you race to the corners.
- Takeaways:
- Run to a corner fast.
- Keep your hands to yourself.
- Don’t tackle the corners.
- Continue for three rounds.
- On the second round, label the corners with Martial Arts moves to make it more challenging.
- On the third turn, make it a contest by giving the first pair to the corner a point and the first pair to five points is the winner.
Back and Forth
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Back and Forth
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students are going to practice their kicks back and forth while learning how to take turns quickly.
Steps:
- Divide your students into 2 or 3 lines. Have the first two students in each line stand up and face each other.
- The students will bow, shake hands, and say “do your best.”
- Follow these steps:
- Student A will kick as student B says “1”
- Student B will kick as student A says “1”
- They will continue kicking back and forth until they reach “4”
- They will bow, shake hands, look each other in the eyes, and say “good job”
- Continue until everyone has had a turn. You will notice that some students struggle to count correctly as they take turns kicking, so make sure you actually teach them how to take turns with their kicking and counting.
Back and Forth 2
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Back and Forth 2
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will compete against another team to see which group is the loudest. This is a great drill to help your students perform at their best level.
Steps:
- Divide your students into two groups and have them face each other.
- Have each group pick a team name to help build team spirit.
- Call out a Martial Arts move, and then point to one of the teams to perform the move with their best team effort.
- Next, point to the other team to do the same.
- Continue to point back and forth with each team so that they each perform the move approximately four times each.
- Pick the team that performed the best.
- Repeat the drill with various Martial Arts moves.
- You can make it challenging by calling out combinations.
Be the Coach
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Be the Coach
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will build their teamwork skills by coaching their partner. This will help them build good leadership skills and social skills.
Steps:
- Pair your students with a partner and then divide them into groups.
- Explain the rules:
- You will act as the coach for your partner by counting and spotting for their exercises.
- Your goal is to spot correctly and count loudly.
- Also make sure you look your partner in the eye when you are done, and compliment their efforts.
- Takeaways:
- Count for your team loud.
- Talk to each teammate.
- Demonstrate the correct way of doing it.
- Continue until every student has a chance to coach and be coached doing push-ups, leg raises, and squat jumps.
Big Foot
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Big Foot
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer Pad
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will work on their TEAMWORK by working together to move a slammer pad from one end of the mat to the other, without using their hands.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs.
- Explain the rules:
- Put your arms around each other’s shoulder.
- Put one foot in the slammer pad.
- Walk from one end of the mat to another.
- At the end, count out 4 kicks then run back.
- If you step off the slammer pad, you and your partner must do 3 jumping jacks before you can continue.
- The first team to finish scores a point for their team
- Takeaways:
- The first team to finish scores a point for their team
- Encourage your partner to do their best.
- Share leadership. Take turns being in charge.
- Continue for 2 rounds. The team with the most points wins.
Catch
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Catch
Equipment needed: Three small square pads per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice their teamwork by punching a target towards their partner while their partner tries to catch the pad. This is a great way to build power in their punches, and good focus when catching.
Steps:
- Pair up your students and divide the pairs into groups with no more than three pairs per group. For each group, stack three small square targets.
- Show your students the proper way to do a punch by making a tight fist, and hitting the target with their first two knuckles.
- For each pair, pick one student to punch the pads and one to catch.
- Explain the rules:
- One person will hold the target and punch it towards their partner
- The other person will catch the target
- The goal is to punch the target in the middle with enough power so that your partner can catch it
- After the student punches all three targets, switch roles.
- Continue until each pair has at least two turns.
- You can make it a contest to see which pair can punch and catch the most pads in a row.
Circle Challenge
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Circle Challenge
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will take turns calling out a Martial Arts move that all of the students in the group must perform correctly. If every student performs the move correctly, then the instructor must do 5 push-ups. If one person in the group makes a mistake, then the group must do 5 push-ups.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several groups and have them circle up as shown in the picture.
- Select one student to begin the drill by calling out a Martial Arts move with a specific hand or foot. For example: “Right punch.”
- All of the students will then execute the move using the correct hand or foot.
- If they all perform the correct move with the correct hand or foot, then instructor must do 5 push-ups.
- If someone in the group makes a mistake, then they must all do 5 push-ups.
- This drill is challenging because they are in a circle which makes it hard to copy the proper hand or foot.
- Continue until each student has a turn.
- You’ll be amazed at how many students will work together as a team to get the instructor to do push-ups!
Crab Legs
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Crab Legs
Equipment needed: 1 pole / line
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will work on their TEAMWORK by working together to move a pole across the mat, without using their hands.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs.
- Explain the rules:
- Sit close to your partner and put the pole across your lap.
- Crab crawl to the middle of the mat without dropping the pole.
- At the end, count out 4 kicks then run back.
- If you have to adjust the pole, you must stop moving to do it.
- The first team to finish scores a point for their team
- Takeaways:
- Talk to your partner through the drill, be able to work together
- Encourage your partner to do their best.
- Share leadership. Take turns being in charge.
- Continue for 2 rounds. The team with the most points wins.
Don’t Crack The Whip
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Don’t Crack The Whip
Equipment needed: An entire obstacle course. For example: 4 rings, 2 jumping bars, 4 slammer pads, 4 cones, 1 wave bag cushion
Instructors needed: One instructor per course
Description: In this drill the students are going to go through an entire obstacle course while working together.
Steps:
- Set up two identical obstacle courses:
- 4 rings to jump over
- 2 bars to jump over
- 4 slammer pads lined up to walk over
- 4 cones to weave in and out of
- 1 wave bag cushion as the finishing point
- Pair each student with a partner and then divide the pairs into two teams.
- Explain the course and tell the students that they will have to go through the entire course without letting go of their partner. Also explain that they will be racing another pair, which means they must work together, but quickly. If they let go of each other, then they must stop immediately and do 10 push-ups.
- Conduct the race until every pair has had a turn.
- You can make it even more challenging by having three or four go at one time.
Find Your Partner
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Find Your Partner
Equipment needed: One kicking target per pair
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will close their eyes while their partner finds a spot on the mat, and then the student must find their partner and try to be the first person to do ten kicks on their target.
Steps:
- Pair your students up with a partner and have them line up facing each other in the middle of the mat.
- Give one student a kicking target and have the other student lay on the ground and hide their eyes.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” the students holding the target will find a spot somewhere on the mat.
- When I say “find your partner” the person on the ground will stand up and find their partner.
- You will race to your partner and do ten kicks and then have a seat.
- The pair that is sitting first is the winner.
- Make sure you explain the importance of not cheating when they are kicking the pad.
- Switch roles.
Hot Potato
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Hot Potato
Equipment needed: 1 clapper pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 per group
Description: The students will practice TEAMWORK by demonstrating their ability to to work as a team to complete a circle of kicks before the other team can.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have your students form 2 big circles.
- Explain the rules:
- The clapper pad will start with one person in the the circle.
- When the instructor say “GO” the student with the pad will turn to the left student who will do 2 kicks.
- Once that student is done kicking the pad holder will give them the pad for the next person to kick.
- This trend will continue until the does their kicks then the 1st team sitting strong wins a point.
- Takeaways:
- Move fast to help your team win.
- Hold the pad correct do your friends can kick it.
- Pay attention so you know when it is your turn to kick.
- Continue until each group has 3 turns.
Hungry Hungry Ninjas
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Hungry Hungry Ninjas
Equipment needed: Lots of dodgeballs or pads, 2 large buckets
Instructors needed: A few to monitor
Description: In this drill students will practice developing strong TEAMWORK by working together to gather as many dodgeballs as possible in the time given.
Steps:
- Divide your students into 2 lines (or 1 line per bucket)
- Setting up the drill:
- Spread the pads/balls all over the mat
- Give the first person in line the bucket
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says go the first student will run out to the dodgeballs.
- They will place the bucket over 1-2 (no more) of the balls and then slide the bucket back.
- Then the next student will repeat this.
- After 30sec the team that gathered the most balls wins.
- If you lift up your bucket on the way back, grab more than 2 per turn, or a balls rolls out from your bucket you must start over.
- Takeaways:
- Show good TEAMWORK by moving fast.
- Cheer on your teammates.
- Remember to follow the rules even if you’re super excited.
- Continue until you play 2-3 games.
Instructor Switch
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Instructor Switch
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will build their teamwork skills by calling out Martial Arts moves for the instructor to perform. This will help the students build confidence and good leadership skills.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- You will stand in the instructor spot and call out your favorite Martial Arts moves.
- Your goal is t be loud, be quick, and lead by good example.
- Takeaways:
- Be louder than your instructor.
- Show good technique in your moves.
- Be fast and strong.
- Continue until every student has three turns.
- On the second turn, have the student lead you through six moves.
- On the third round, make it a competition to see which student is the best leader.
Know Your number
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Know Your Number
Equipment needed: 4 numbered objects
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: In this drill the students will practice teamwork by working together. The students will each be assigned a number 1 -4 and then the students must run to the correct number. This is a great drill for developing focus and concentration.
Steps:
- Have your students sit on one end of the training mat.
- Set up 4 numbered objects on the opposite end of the training mat.
- Explain the rules:
- You will be assigned a team number 1 thru 4.
- When the instructor says “go” you must quickly run to your number and sit in a straight line with the rest of your team.
- Your goal is to work together and line up on your own with your team without pushing.
- Once everybody has a turn, make it a competition to see which team can sit in a straight line the fastest.
Lead The Blind
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Lead the Blind
Equipment needed: One blindfold and kicking target per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: One student will lead their partner down the mat while they are blindfolded.
Steps:
- Pair your students up with a partner and have them line up on one side of the training mat, with one standing in front of the other.
- Blindfold the person standing in front.
- One the other end of the mat, have an instructor or assistant holding a kicking target across from each pair.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” you will lead your partner down the mat to the instructor.
- When you arrive to the instructor, you will say “stop” so that your partner does not run into the instructor.
- They you will say “go” and your partner will kick the pad ten times while still blindfolded.
- Once your partner kicks the target ten times, you will lead your partner back to the starting point and you will both have a seat.
- The first pair to sit is the winner.
- Switch roles.
Leadership Relay Race
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Leadership Relay Race
Equipment needed: One cone and wave bag cushion for each line
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill the students are going to put their leadership skills to the test with a fun race leading the next student in line through various Martial Arts moves.
Steps:
- Divide your students into 3 or 4 even lines on one side of the training deck. Use a cone to mark the starting point and place a wave bag cushion directly across the training deck in front of each line.
- On your command, the first student will race to the wave bag cushion and face the new line leader. Follow these instructions:
- The line leader will call out 3 moves that the person at the bag must demonstrate.
- The line leader will have to be loud so that the student can hear, they will have to lead by good example so the student can follow, and they must be quick to call out the moves because this is a race.
- After the student at the cushion is finished with all 3 moves, he/she will race back and high-five the line leader who will then race to the cushion as the new line leader calls out 3 moves, and so forth.
- Continue the drill until every student in line has had a turn. Remember, the student that began the race will be the last line leader. The line that finishes the fastest is the winner.
Lumberjacks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Lumberjacks
Equipment needed: Two clapper pads per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice their teamwork by kicking targets back and forth with their partner. This is also a great drill for teaching your students how to focus while holding the targets.
Steps:
- Pair up your students and divide the pairs into groups with no more than three pairs per group. For each group, you will need two clapper targets.
- Show your students the proper way to do a front kick, including a chamber, execution, re-chamber, and return.
- Have the first pair from each group stand up and face each other while holding a clapper target as shown in the picture.
- Explain the rules:
- You each will go back and forth kicking the target
- You will count when your partner kicks your target
- Alternate legs between each kick
- They each will kick back and forth ten times.
- Continue until each pair has at least two turns.
- You can make it a contest to see which pair shows the best teamwork.
Ninja Tunnel
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Ninja Tunnel
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Several to monitor
Description: The students will race to the other end of the mat by taking turns crawling through their partner’s legs.
Steps:
- Pair your students up with a partner and have them line up on one end of the training mat, with one standing in front of the other.
- Have the person standing in front get into a middle stance with their legs double-shoulder width apart.
- Explain the rules:
- You will crawl through your partner’s legs and then stand up in a middle stance.
- Your partner will then crawl through your legs and so forth all the way down the mat.
- Once you reach the end of the mat you with both have a seat.
- The first pair sitting is the winner.
- Continue until each pair has two turns.
Pad Stack Challenge
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Pad Stack Challenge
Equipment needed: 5 Small Pads Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: In this drill students will develop good TEAMWORK by working together to balance a growing stack of pads.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the first 2 students in each line face each other.
- Have each student first grab their Left forearm with their right hand.
- Then lock arms forming a square with their forearms.
- Explain the rules:
- Have each student go to a middle stance.
- The instructor will then stack one pad on their arms and count to 3.
- If the pad doesn’t fall, they will then add a second pad and count to 3.
- Continue until you get to 5 pads, and hold for 5 seconds.
- Takeaways:
- Stay low in your stance so your arms stay level.
- Keep your arms up as long as you can!
- Feel the burn!
- Continue until everyone goes for 2-3 turns.
Partner Pad Roll
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Partner Pad Roll
Equipment needed: One wavemaster pad per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will work on their teamwork by working together to roll a large pad to the end of the mat and back again. This helps to reinforce positive social skills and team building.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs, and then into lines with their partner.
- The students will be at one end of the mat holding hands.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go”, the students will have to roll the pad down to the end of the mat without letting go of their partner’s hand.
- If they do let go, they must both do 3 jumping jacks before they can begin again.
- The first team to bring the pad back and sit strong is the winner!
- Takeaways:
- Don’t let go of your partner.
- Push the pad at the same time.
- Don’t go too fast or too slow.
- Continue until every group has three turns
- You can make it a contest by picking which group could roll the pad the straightest.
Partner Ring Pass
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Partner Ring Pass
Equipment needed: 1 Ring Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on having good TEAMWORK in this drill by working with a partner and be the fastest in the class to pass the ring over their body 3 times in a row.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the first 3 students in each line face each other.
- Place one large ring over one of the students’ arms.
- Hold hands for balance.
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go” the first student will pass the ring over their body.
- The second and third students in the circle will repeat this as well.
- Once it make a full rotation each team will sit and say “Finished Sir/Ma’am”.
- On round 2, the ring must go around 3 times!
- Takeaways:
- Encourage your teammates if they are having a hard time!
- Don’t go too fast or you’ll make a mistake.
- Hold your partner’s’ hands at all times!
- Continue for 2-3 rounds.
Pass The Punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Pass the Punches
Equipment needed: 1 Slammer pad per line
Instructors needed: One Per Line
Description: The students will practice TEAMWORK by demonstrate their ability to work as a team in a relay race style of drill. This game will challenge them physically and mentally as they must do fast punches but they also must wait for their partners to return fully to the team before leaving.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line, you will need an Instructor with a cone and clapper pad.
- Explain the rules:
- The 1st in line will stand up and face the instructor who is on the other side of the mat.
- When the instructor says “GO” the student will run down to the instructor and do 10 punches hitting the slammer pad.
- When they finish, they will run back to line and high 5 the next person in line.
- The next student must wait for the high 5 or they must restart from the beginning if they leave to early.
- The first team to get through each ninja and sit strong will earn a point, team with the most point wins.
- Takeaways:
- Punch as hard as you can.
- Don’t move before you get a high 5.
- Keep moving as fast as you can so that you can win.
- Continue so that each student has at least 2-3 turns.
Save The Dolphins
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Save the Dolphins
Equipment needed: 1 wavemaster top per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will practice TEAMWORK by demonstrating their ability work together to move a bag top across the mat without dropping it.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have the 1st 2 students stand up and hold the bag over their heads.
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “GO” both students will work together to walk the bag down the mat.
- Once they get to one side they must turn with the bag and come back down the mat.
- The 1st team to finish earns a point.
- Takeaways:
- Talk to your teammates.
- Don’t go to fast.
- Try not to drop the bag or someone might get hurt.
- Continue until each pair has 2-3 turns
Student Switch Board Breaks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Student Switch Board Breaks
Equipment needed: One easy to break board per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: The students will practice their teamwork by holding an easy to break board for the instructor. This drill will encourage them to be strong and confident while holding the boards.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- You will need an easy to break board for each line.
- Explain the rules:
- The first student in line holds the board for the instructor.
- To show good teamwork they must hold it strong, and not drop the board.
- The goal is for the student to show proper board holding skills, which is a good lesson for helping others.
- Takeaways:
- Hold the board at the top.
- Keep your thumbs on the side of the board.
- Don’t flinch when the instructor hits.
- Continue until each student has three turns.
Taking Turns
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Taking Turns
Equipment needed: 2 Clapper Pads per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill we will work on our TEAMWORK by improving our communication by counting for each other and leading by good example.
Steps:
- Divide your students into pairs
- Setting up the drill:
- Have 1 instructor to watch each group
- The first pair in each line will hold the clapper pads
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go” run with your partner to the first dot.
- Take turns doing 5 Perfect Front kicks while counting loud for your partner.
- Once each partner does 5 Perfect kicks, run to the next dot and repeat.
- Continue all the way to the end of the mat.
- Finally, race back to your line and sit as quickly as you can.
- Takeaways:
- Hold the pad firmly for your partner.
- Count loud to show good communication.
- Kick well to lead by good example.
- Continue until each pair has 2-3 turns.
Target Practice
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Target Practice
Equipment needed: Three small square targets per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice teamwork by holding the small square target while their partner kicks it out of their hand. This is also a great way to teach your students how to focus and hit the target in the middle so that they don’t hit their friend’s fingers
Steps:
- Pair up your students and divide the pairs into groups with no more than three pairs per group. For each group, stack three small square targets.
- For each pair, pick one student to hold the pads and one to kick.
- Explain the rules:
- One person will hold the target still without moving or flinching
- The other person will kick the target in the middle
- The goal is to kick the target as far as possible with a round kick and without hitting your partner’s fingers
- After the student kicks all three targets, switch roles.
- Continue until each pair has at least two turns.
- You can make it a contest to see which person can kick the pad the furthest.
Team Kick Race
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Team Kick Race
Equipment needed: Two kicking targets per group
Instructors needed: Two per group
Description: In this drill the students will build teamwork by helping each other. The students will each have a partner and one will hold the kicking target while the other kicks. They will race against another pair to see which pair is the fastest. This is a great social building drill for the students.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups.
- For each group you will need two kicking targets.
- Divide the students within each group into pairs.
- Here are the rules:
- Two pairs will compete against each other. One partner will hold the kicking target while the other kicks.
- When the instructor says “go” the student will kick the target 4 times and then they both must sit.
- The first pair to sit with their legs crossed and hands on their knees is the winner.
- Switch roles.
- On the second round, you can make it more challenging by having them do 8 kicks.
Team Kick Relay
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Team Kick Relay
Equipment needed: Two kicking targets per group
Instructors needed: Two per group
Description: In this drill the students will build teamwork by helping each other. The students will each have a partner and one will hold the kicking target while the other kicks. They will race against another pair to see which pair is the fastest. This is a great social building drill for the students.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups.
- For each group you will need two kicking targets.
- Divide the students within each group into pairs.
- Here are the rules:
- Two pairs will compete against each other. One partner will hold the kicking target while the other kicks.
- When the instructor says “go” the student will kick the target 4 times and then they both must sit.
- The first pair to sit with their legs crossed and hands on their knees is the winner.
- Switch roles.
- On the second round, you can make it more challenging by having them do 8 kicks.
Teammate Challenge
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Teammate Challenge
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice their teamwork by being a perfect team member! The focus shifts to being a good follower in this drill and teaches the students how to be a good teammate.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups.
- Give each group their own section of the mat to work in.
- Explain the rules:
- Each student will take turns being the leader calling out 3 of their favorite karate moves.
- Everyone else must demonstrate those moves as strong as they can, while repeating the move super loud.
- Each time one student is finished leading, the leader will choose who was the best teammate
- Takeaways:
- Be loud as you lead the moves.
- Do your moves super strong.
- Be a good teammate when you’re not leading.
- Continue until each student has two turns.
Transporter Relay
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: TEAMWORK
Drill: Transporter Relay
Equipment needed: One slammer target and several small square targets per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will build teamwork by working together in a relay race to transport pads back to their line.
Steps:
- Divide your class into pairs and then divide the pairs into several lines.
- For each line, you will need a slammer pad (set next to the first pair in line) and two small square targets (per pair) stacked across the training deck. For example: if you have two pairs per line, then you will want to stack four small square targets across the training deck.
- The first pair in line will hold the slammer target together as they races across the training deck.
- Once at the opposite end of the training deck, the pair will stack two square targets on the slammer pad and then race back to their line while holding the slammer pad with the two small targets on top.
- If the pair drops either of the small targets, then they must stop and do 5 push-ups before they can continue the drill.
- Continue until each pair has a turn.
- The team that completes this drill the fastest is the winner.
Control Your Body Relay
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Control Your Body Relay
Equipment needed: Approximately 5 rings
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students will race across the training deck and control their body to stop quickly in the middle of a small ring.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines on one side of the training deck.
- For each line, place a ring directly across the training mat.
- When the instructor says “go” the first student from each line will race to the middle of the ring across the training deck.
- The first student to stand still with their feet together and hands by their side in the middle of the ring is the winner.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
- To make this drill challenging, have the student’s race backwards.
- You can make it a fun competition by giving each line a team name and the fastest line gets a point for their team.
Dizzy Race
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Dizzy Race
Equipment needed: One blocker pad and kicking target per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will develop better control of their body by racing down the training mat, spinning their head around a blocker target four times, and then kicking a target ten times. This is a fun way to teach your students to control their body.
Steps:
- Divide your students into even lines and have them line them up on one end of the training deck.
- On the opposite end lay a blocker pad down, and have an instructor kneel holding a kicking target.
- Review the proper mechanics of a round kick:
- Keep your hands up.
- Turn your knee.
- Snap your knee.
- Kick with the top of your foot.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go” the first student in line will race to the blocker pad.
- You will spin around it four times.
- Kick the kicking target ten times with a round kick, alternating legs on each kick, and race back to high five the next student in line.
- The first line to finish and sit with their legs crossed and hand on knees is the winner.
Escape The Bullies
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Escape the Bullies
Equipment needed: 2 Kicking Shields Per Line
Instructors needed: 2 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their CONTROL by not letting their emotions get the best of them by not being too silly, and not becoming super frustrated as they try to escape the bullies.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups
- Set up the drill:
- Each group will have 2 instructors or storm team members holding kicking shields.
- Explain the rules:
- One student will be in the middle and have to face off with both bullies.
- When the instructor says “go” the bullies will start to push the student around the ring.
- The student will have 30 seconds to escape the ring without kicking or punching.
- If you fall down, you have to do 5 push-ups each time.
- Takeaways:
- Keep your mind clear to have better CONTROL over your emotions
- Keep looking for different openings that you can escape through.
- Stay on your feet at all times
- Continue until each student has had two turns
Freeze Stance
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Freeze Stance
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: Multiple to monitor
Description: The students will work on their CONTROL by trying to be the last person standing in this stance competition.
Steps:
- Students will get one half of the mat.
- For the group you will need multiple instructors to monitor.
- Explain the rules:
- Students will dance when the music comes on.
- When the music stops, students will have to freeze in a stance.
- If a student moves when the music is off, they are then out.
- When the music starts again, students will continue to dance.
- Takeaways:
- Have fun and dance around.
- Make sure you have deeply bent knees in your stances.
- Make your stance strong so that you don’t move.
- Continue until you play 2 games.
Frozen Statue
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Frozen Statue
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: One
Description: In this drill the students are going to play ninja freeze, but they must have enough control of their body to freeze in attention stance.
Steps:
- Have your student’s line up on one side of the training deck.
- Stand on the opposite side of the deck with your back facing the students.
- When you are ready, say the following: “1 – 2 – 3 – NINJA FREEZE!”
- While you are counting, the students will start running toward you.
- Once you say the word “FREEZE!” turn around and look at the students.
- The students must freeze at attention before you turn around and look at them.
- If they are moving, or not standing with their feet together and hands by their side then they must go back to the starting line and sit down.
- Continue the drill until one of the students touches you without getting caught moving. If you catch everyone moving, then start the game over.
- To make class entertaining, you can let the winner be the new counter.
Hit and Run
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Hit and Run
Equipment needed: One slammer target and blindfold per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: The students will practice having control of their heart by being brave. One student will stand blindfolded in the middle of attackers holding pads and then must react to the attack when the blindfold is removed.
Steps:
- Divide your students into groups of five.
- Have one student stand in the middle of a ring blindfolded.
- Give the rest of the group a slammer pad and have them stand on the outside of the ring.
- Explain the rules:
- While you are blindfolded, I will point to one student to be the attacker.
- When I say “go” you will remove your blindfold and the attacker will count to 3 out loud and then charge you.
- You only have 3 seconds to react bravely by either pushing off your attacker or kicking their pad.
- The goal is to stay on your feet and not fall to the ground when you push or kick the attacker.
- Continue until each student has at least one turn.
Hit or Miss
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Hit or Miss
Equipment needed: Two punching mitts per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will practice controlling their speed by trying to hit the pad before it is taken away. This will help build better reactions challenging them to not miss the pad.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will flash the pad and count for 2 seconds then pull the pad back.
- While the pad is flashed the student must punch or kick the mitt.
- Have each student strike 5 times.
- Takeaways:
- Punch when you see the pad.
- Keep your hands in chamber.
- Punch fast and hard.
- Continue until everyone has three turns.
- The second time, only flash for one second to make it more challenging.
Hit the Mitt Relay
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Hit the Mitt Relay
Equipment needed: 2 punching mitts per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will practice controlling their power by hitting the pads either hard or soft. By doing so, they will learn how to turn their power on and off.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Explain the rules:
- The first person in line will strike the pad 5 times.
- The instructor will alternate saying “hard” or “soft”.
- The student must strike or kick the pad accordingly
- Takeaways:
- Listen for hard or soft.
- Control your power but still hit fast.
- Keep your hands in chamber.
- Continue until each student has 3 turns.
Kick the Block
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Kick the Block
Equipment needed: Two slammer pads and two blocks per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will build their control by side kicking a block off the stack of pads. This will help them build good chambers in their sidekick.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a stack of slammer pads with two blocks stack on top and an instructor on the other side of the pads.
- Explain the rules:
- You will sidekick the top block off the pads, hitting the block with your heel.
- Your goal is to control your kick by kicking the top block off the pad and not the bottom block.
- You will do this three times.
- Takeaways:
- Point your heel at the block.
- Hit the block with your heel only.
- Re-chamber your knee fast.
- Continue until every student has three turns.
Kicks on Point
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Kicks on Point
Equipment needed: 1 squeaking pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: Students will work on controlling their feet by kicking with their heels with a side kick. Their goal is to kick only with their heel and make the pad squeak!
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Have 1 instructor for each line hold the squeaker pad.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will hold the squeaker pad facing outward next to their leg or hip.
- The students will sidekick the pad and control their foot by hitting only with their heel.
- They have 5 chances to make the pad squeak 3 times.
- On round 2 their goal is to make the pad squeak 3 out of 3 times.
- Takeaways:
- Don’t hold your chamber for too long as you try to aim.
- Remember to pivot on each kick.
- If you miss the pad, don’t become discouraged.
- Continue until every student has at least 2 turns.
King of the Box
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: King of the Box
Equipment needed: Two slammer pads per group
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice controlling their power. The students will try and knock their opponent out of the square using a slammer pad, but they cannot use too much power so that no one falls and gets hurt.
Steps:
- Divide your class into several groups and pair each student with a partner.
- For each group you will need to mark a ring on the ground if you do not have square rings in your mat.
- Explain the rules:
- You and your opponent will hold a slammer pad.
- When I say “go” you will try to push your opponent out of the ring.
- The first student to push their opponent out of the ring is the winner.
- If you use too much power and knock your opponent on the ground then you both have to do 10 push-ups.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Knock Down
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Knock Down
Equipment needed: Two slammer pads per line
Instructors needed: One per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice controlling their power by trying to knock their classmate down with a side kick.
Steps:
- Divide your students into several lines.
- The first two students in line will stand on one slammer pad and hold another slammer pad.
- The second student in line will sidekick the slammer pad held by their classmate.
- Each student will have 3 attempts to knock their classmate off the slammer pad.
- After the third attempt, the student holding the target will go to the end of the line and the second student in line will take the place of the holder standing on the slammer target.
- Repeat the process until every student has a turn to both hold the target and kick the target.
- You can add variety by changing the kick to a round kick and front kick, or any other kick that compliments your style and/ or the student’s belt level.
Knock, Knock
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Knock, Knock
Equipment needed: 2 Kicking shields per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this Drill students will work on using their power to punch the pad and knock their instructor off the base.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Have 1 instructor stand on one kicking shield while holding the other shield firmly
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go” punch the pad as hard as you can.
- You will have 10 seconds to punch as many times as possible.
- Keep punching until your knock your instructor off the pad or time runs out.
- On the next round, you have to knock your instructor off the pad in less than 10 punches.
- Takeaways:
- Have your hands away so they are ready to strike.
- Keep your eyes on the pad, so you know when to hit.
- Don’t give up make sure you try your best each time.
- Continue until everyone has 2-4 turns through the line.
Ninja
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Ninja
Equipment needed: 1 pad per line
Instructors needed: 1 to play, one to monitor
Description: The students will work on their control by trying to move quickly yet quietly to steal a pad from the blindfolded instructor.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Assign each line a pad, and have the instructor sit blindfolded at the opposite end of the mat. Place the pads spaced out a few feet away from the instructor.
- Explain the rules:
- When you say “go” the first person in line will to quietly run to the pad and bring it back to their line.
- If the blindfolded instructor hears them, he will point in their direction and that student must start over from the beginning
- The first person to get the pad back gets a point for their team.
- Takeaways:
- Move fast without being loud.
- Take big steps to go faster.
- Move your arms to help you run.
- Continue until everyone has at least 3 turns. The team with the most points at the end is the winner.
Over the Moon
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Over the Moon
Equipment needed: One small ring and stand per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will build control in their round kicks by kicking over the ring. This will help the students build good chambers in their round kicks.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need a ring on a stand and an instructor holding a kicking target.
- Explain the rules:
- You will round kick the target three times with the top of your foot.
- Your goal is to control your kick by not touching the ring as you chamber and re-chamber your kicking leg.
- Takeaways:
- Point your knee at the pad.
- Re-chamber fast.
- Don’t kick the ring.
- Continue until everyone has three turns.
Palm and Punch
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Palm and Punch
Equipment needed: 2 Punching Mitts Per Line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill, students will work on having CONTROL with their hands by alternating between striking with a closed fist and an open hand. This will challenge them physically and intellectually by forcing them to use both sides of their brain while striking and remembering when to open and close their hands.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Have 1 instructor for each line hold the punching mitts.
- Explain the rules:
- Have the first person in line start in their guarding stance.
- They will then hit the mitts with 2 punches and count “1 sir/ma’am”
- Then hit the mitts again with 2 palm strikes and count “2 sir/ma’am”
- Continue alternating until they reach 5 reps.
- If they mess up they have to stop and go to the end of the line.
- Their goal is to get as far as they can without messing up or to reach 5 reps.
- Takeaways:
- Try not to go too slow as you think about opening or closing your hands.
- Remember to count correctly as you are striking.
- Try your best to hit the pad strong.
- Continue until every student has at least 3 turns.
Partner Pad Tag
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Partner Pad Tag
Equipment needed: One clapper target per line
Instructors needed: One instructor per line
Description: In this drill the students are going to try and kick the target before their partner moves it out of the way!
Steps:
- Pair each student with a partner and then divide the pairs into two lines.
- Have the first pair in each line stand up. Give one student the clapper pad (student “A”).
- The student without the pad (student “B”) will try and kick the target held by student “A” while student “A” tries to move the target out of the way.
- Here are some basic rules:
- Student “A” cannot move the target until student “B” kicks.
- If he/ she moved the target early, then he/ she must do 5 push-ups.
- If student “B” hits the target, then he/ she will earn a point.
- After 3 tries, have them switch roles.
- Continue until each student has had a turn. The student with the most points at the end of the drill is the winner.
Pay Attention with Kicks
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Pay Attention With Kicks
Equipment needed: Two clapper targets, 4 cones
Instructors needed: Three (one to run the drill and two to hold the targets)
Description: In this drill the students will practice controlling their speed by racing and kicking a target against their opponent.
Steps:
- Have two instructors kneel back-to-back in the middle of the training deck.
- Divide your class into pairs and give each partner the same number starting with number 1. Next, have them line up facing each other (in order) directly across the training deck as shown in the picture. Use cones to mark the lines.
- The instructor will call out a number, and the two students assigned that number will race to the middle of the training deck and kick the target 10 times and then race back to their spot.
- The first student to kick the target 10 times and race back to their spot earns a point for their team.
- The first team with 10 points in the winner.
Power and Punches
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Power Punches
Equipment needed: 1 wavemaster top, 1 block per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their CONTROL by learning how to increase the level of effort and power in each punch to make their block fly the farthest.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Set up the drill:
- Have one Wavemaster top with a block set on top, and one instructor a few feet away per line.
- Explain the rules:
- When the Instructor says “go”, the first student in line will punch their block.
- Each instructor will watch to see where the blocks for their line go.
- The student who can punch one of the two blocks the farthest will earn a point for their line.
- The first line to reach 4 points wins.
- Takeaways:
- Remember to punch with the correct part of the hand.
- Yell loud when you punch the pad
- For the most distance, punch straight instead of up, down, or sideways
- Continue until one of the lines reaches 4 points.
Ring Bounce Challenge
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Ring Bounce Challenge
Equipment needed: 1 Ring
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: The students will work on their CONTROL by punching through a ring that has been bounced.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- For each line you will need one ring.
- Explain the rules:
- The students will stand with their hands in chamber.
- The instructor will throw the ring in the air and before the student can punch through it, it must bounce off the ground.
- The student wants to catch 3 rings in a row without missing, using only a punch.
- Takeaways:
- CONTROL your body so that you don’t punch too fast.
- Make sure you punch straight and not around.
- Keep your other hand in chamber position.
- Continue until each student has 2 turns.
Rock the Boat
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Rock the Boat
Equipment needed: 1 kicking shield per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice CONTROL by having a deep stance and not falling off the pad when shaken by the instructor.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines.
- Setting up the drill:
- Set 1 kicking shield on the ground in front of each line.
- Tell the students which stance they will be working on
- Explain the rules:
- When the instructor says “go” sink down into your stance on top of the pad
- The instructor will then shake the pad back and forth for 10 seconds.
- Stay on the pad in a low stance for as long as you can with your hands in chamber position.
- You are “out” if you: Fall, Move your arms out of chamber, Stand up
- On the next round, use a different stance!
- Takeaways:
- Breathe as you play so that you don’t get tired.
- Bend your knees low so that you get stronger.
- Keep your head up so you can have balance.
- Continue until everyone has 2-3 turns.
Safety Position
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Safety Position
Equipment needed: None
Instructors needed: 1 instructor per line
Description: In this drill, the students are going to learn how to handle bullies by getting into a safety position.
Steps:
- Have your students make a big circle. Explain that you need to have control of your heart if you want to stand up to bullies.
- To stand up to bullies, one must set up a safety position. On your command, have the students practice the following steps:
- With your palms facing outwards, firmly put your hands straight out towards the bully.
- Step one foot back so that you have a strong stance.
- In a firm voice, say “STEP BACK!”
- Together, have the students practice the safety position three times and then have them sit down.
- Have one student stand up. Walk up to the student and pretend that you are a bully. Saying “I don’t like you!” and try to push the student. The student will react by setting up the safety position as detailed above.
- Continue until every student has had a turn individually.
SIT
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: SIT
Equipment needed: One focus mitt per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice controlling their speed. The students will hit the clapper targets continuously as fast as possible and the instructor will say “SIT!” This will help them control their speed from going really fast to being still.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even
- For each line you will need an instructor holding a clapper target.
- Explain the rules:
- When I say “go” their first student in each line will begin hitting the clapper target with speed bag punches as quickly as possible.
- When I say “SIT!” you will sit as quickly as possible.
- The first student to sit with their legs crossed and their hands on their knees earns a point for their line.
- At the end of the drill, the line with the most points is the winner.
- Continue until each student has at least two turns.
Smash and Run
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Smash and Run
Equipment needed: One small square pad and foam sword per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill the students will practice controlling their heart. The students will perform a self-defense move which will help them learn how to defend themselves.
Steps:
- Divide your class into even lines.
- For each line you will need and instructor to place a small pad on their arm. The instructor will also carry a foam sword in their other arm.
- Explain the rules:
- The instructor will try and grab your arm.
- You will hit the arm (on the pad for safety) as hard as possible showing that you have control of your heart and are very brave.
- After you escape, you will race to the end of the line as the instructor tries to chop you with the sword.
- Continue until each student has at least three turns.
Snap
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Snap!
Equipment needed: 1 piece of paper per line
Instructors needed: 1 Per Line
Description: Students will work on their CONTROL by kicking the paper to produce a loud snap, and also CONTROL their body by holding the rechamber for 3 seconds.
Steps:
- Divide your students into lines
- Set up the drill:
- Each line will need one instructor to hold the paper for a Front Kick.
- Explain the rules:
- Each student will front kick 2 times with each leg.
- Your goal is to CONTROL your speed by kicking fast and making a loud popping noise when you hit the paper.
- Then CONTROL your body by holding your rechamber for 3 seconds before putting your foot down.
- If you drop your rechamber then you have to do 3 squat jumps!
- Takeaways:
- Don’t allow your kick to follow through too much or you will sacrifice speed and balance.
- To be the best, go from chamber to kick, as quickly as you can.
- Rechamber with your knee high and tight for the best technique
- Continue until each student has had three turns
Speedy Ladder
Program: Basic SKILLZ (5 and 6 yrs.)
Skill: CONTROL
Drill: Speedy Ladder
Equipment needed: One kicking target, ring, and two slammer pads per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: The students will build their control by front kicking