Kevin Sheldon

LEI 4724
Activity 14
Activity Title: All-Run Kickball
Source: Lynch, W. (2013, November 6). Different Variations of Kickball. Retrieved October 8,
2015.
Equipment: Kickball, cones (5)
Description of Activity: All run kickball is a variation of the original game (kickball). In this
activity, two teams aim to score as many runs (points) as possible. On offense, the kicker must
complete a legal kick. After the ball is kicked, all players on the offensive team must run the
bases (cones). The players will continue to run as many bases as possible until the defensive
team can complete their objective. Each player that reaches around the home base, 1 point is
allotted to the team. On defense, the team must collect the kicked kickball. However, once the
ball has been collected, each member on the defensive team must pass and catch the ball. After a
defensive player touches the ball, they must squat down and pass the ball to a remaining player
still standing. When all defensive players have touched the ball, the offensive team is done
running; no scores will count after the defense has completed their objective.
Leadership considerations: This activity can work with any size group but works best for larger
sized groups (+20 participants). This game can be played indoors or outdoors, as long as, the
appropriate space is met. Depending on the athletic abilities of the groups, the therapist may
want to adjust the distance between the cones. For example, if the participants are smaller/
younger, it may be beneficial to have the cones (bases) placed closer to improve participation,
team-morale, and player success/ self-esteem. To keep the game fresh or new, the therapist
may want to change the motor skills; instead of having the offensive team run, they may be
encouraged to hop, skip, lunge, etc.
Adaptations:
Clients who have amputations: Adaptations made for people with amputations may include a
change of setting. Having a smooth, leveled ground may be beneficial for those that are using
walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. In the case that a participant has a lower body amputation
that would make it difficult to kick the ball, a great alternative is to have the member throw a ball
to substitute the kicking action. In this case, it is important for the participant to be given an
appropriate ball; a kickball would be hard to throw, perhaps a smaller ball or even a football
would be more appropriate. In the case the participant has an upper body amputation, catching/
throwing the ball may prove to be challenging task. If so, having a change of rules may be a
great idea. For example, having the defensive team run towards each other and handing off the
ball instead of throwing or catching it to one another.
Clients who have ASD: When working with this population, transitioning (moving from one
activity or a part of an activity to another) can be challenging. To help smooth the anxieties that
accompany transitions, it is highly encouraged for the therapist to present the group with time

cues (for example last kick until the groups rotate). These verbal cues will help to give the
participants a mental concept of what to expect next and can cut down on misbehaviors or
anxieties commonly accompanied with ASD. Another great adaptation may be to model the task
(present the member(s) with a visual demonstration to accompany the verbal explanation).
Presenting the member with alternatives is another great adaptation (for example, giving the
participant the option to kick or throw the ball on offense and the option to throw the ball or run
to the team member on defense). Proximity between member and therapist (or friend) is another
great adaptation.