Heartbeat Ball

Gather a number of objects including a playground ball, which is easy to catch. Additional objects can include a second ball made of soft material, a very long necklace, an empty gallon sized can, a cane or tall stick, a hat, a bag with a stiff circular handle, glasses, etc. Invite players to stand in a circle. Hold up the playground ball and explains that this is the heartbeat ball. The group’s goal is to pass the ball in a steady, consistent rhythm around the circle in a single direction. The sound of the ball being caught should resemble a heartbeat. There should be no talking. The group passes the ball in one direction until a solid rhythm is established. Next, introduce a new object into the game, which is passed from person-to-person in the opposite direction of the circle to the ball (see Possible Variations/Applications). Let the group explore passing the new object. Explain that although the new object is important the MOST important aspect of the game is the heartbeat ball; other objects can stop and start. Then, start the ball and the new object together at the same time until the group can pass both with success. Proceed to add new objects into the game one at a time. It is useful to change directions for each new object (e.g., if the heartbeat ball goes clockwise than the next object to be added goes counter-clockwise). The number one priority is always the heartbeat ball. If the heartbeat ball drops to the ground, the game stops, the group strategies how to play more effectively, and starts again from the beginning adding each additional object back in at a time.