Running Baton Drill

This is a good warm-up activity for all players. This drill develops hand/eye coordination.

Equipment:
One baton for every two players
Players are grouped in groups of two.

1.Players run back and forth on the training floor tossing the baton to each other.
2.The goal is to pass the baton as many times as possible with dropping it.


I saw CJ Vickers using this successfully at Yesha Taekwondo in Jacksonville, Fl.

Click to see the video on Tangle.com

Instructor notes: Passing and receiving the baton successfully requires practice. Students should spend time handling the baton to develop the dexterity required. Students should be supervised to help them maintain focus.

Rhythm Circle - Teambuilding and Coordination

This drill works with all ages. We did a similar one in Korea that was fun but not skill specific. Here I've adapted it to a drill that works on focus, hand/eye coordination and proprioception. This is a nice activity to do as a break after more demanding drills or at the beginning or end of class.

Equipment- baton
Time- depends upon age and number of players
Players should be introduced as player's names are used

1. Players sit in a circle and together establish a rhythm of slapping the top of both thighs twice, clapping hands twice, snapping left hand fingers, snapping right hand fingers. One player has a baton on the floor in front of him/her.
2. On the right hand snap, the player with the baton picks it up, calls out another player's name and throws it to that player.
3. The receiving player puts the baton on the floor and the games resumes.
4. Players should try to repeat this smoothly without a break in the rhythm.
5. The baton is always tossed on the second snap.

Varation: Always toss on the first snap or toggle between first and second snaps.
Advanced version: Use two batons, one is tossed on the first snap and the second is tossed on the second snap.

Instructor Notes: Get it started by calling out "Rhythm Circles" and signaling activity transition (ex: claps hands twice and directs students to places by pointing.) Supervise students to maintain focus and prevent off task activity.