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Written by Michael S. Watters
#118900
Introduction
Here is a new activity, which provides a variety of games, contests and group play for both young and old.
Fling-It is a net and ball game specially designed to encourage and challenge players to communicate, cooperate and coordinate their efforts in tossing a ball.
A variety of games and activities involving 2 to 20 players have been developed, which includes flinging a ball approximately 60 to 80' in the air and catching it, flinging it to another group or fling it to a target. Enclosed are examples.
Fling-It Nets: The Fling-It nets are of specially designed 4' x 4' (8' x 8' for Super Fling-It) nylon. The nets have built in handles to be grasped while flinging. The nets provide a bouncing effect for the ball when fully stretched.
Be sure to use soft and flexible balls; soft vinyl, rubber, inflatables and racquet balls are perfect. Do not toss hard materials with the nets, as injuries may occur.
Important: All games are based on use of 4' x 4' Fling-It nets. To use 8' x 8' Super Fling-It, simply increase number of players at each net.
To Start:
2 Players - Each player holds 2 corners.
3 Players - 1 player holds 2 corners, the other 2 players each grasp a corner with one or both hands.
4 Players - Each player holds one corner.
Recommended for 2 players - to start raise net to shoulder level with hands 2" apart. At given signal lower the net to waist level and working together quickly raise and jerk the net apart at shoulder level.
Players should test their ability to cooperate by going through the motions without using a ball.
When using a ball, place it in the center of the net to insure correct lift off.
Catch
Players must move quickly to a point where the ball is dropping, open the net and catch the ball inside. Be careful not to let the ball bounce out before enclosing it in the net.
Game 1 - Fling
Players: 2 to 4.
Equipment: 1 net and 1 ball.
Object: Players cooperate together to fling the ball into the air, catching it on the downfall. All players must move with the net.
Suggestion: Players should try flinging without the ball to get the idea of cooperation.
Game 2 - Cross
Players: 2 to 4 Players per net, 1 ball per 2 nets.
Object: Team A flings the ball to Team B. Team B must catch the ball in their net and then fling the ball back to Team A.
Game 3 - Double Cross
Players: 4 to 8.
Equipment: At least 2 nets and 2 balls.
Object: Two teams each with their own net and ball must simultaneously fling their ball across to the other team's net. Each team must try to catch the other team's ball. Advance players may try 3 and 4 teams, all flinging at once.
Game 4 - Fling for Distance
Players: 2 to 4 per net.
Equipment: 1 net, 1 ball and markers.
Object : Players attempt to fling the ball for the greatest distance. Indicate ball's landing with marker.
Game 5 - Switch
Players: 2 per net.
Equipment: 2 nets and 1 ball.
Object: To fling a ball high enough to drop the Fling-It net, run over to the second net attempting to pick up the net and catch the ball.
Game 6 - Target
Players: 2 to 4 per net.
Equipment: 1 net, 1 ball, box, hoop, bucket or use other
Fling-It net for a target.
Object: Players may score points for flinging the ball into a container or marked area.
Suggested scoring -
3 points for inside target
2 points for touching target
1 point for within 1 foot of target
Game 7 - Over the Net
Players: At least 4 to 8 per side.
Equipment: Volleyball net, standard volleyball and 4 to 6 Fling-It nets.
Object: To fling the ball over the net without having the ball go out of bounds. Opposing players attempt to catch the ball and return it in quick moves. Volleyball scoring is used.
Game 8 - Pair Toss
Players: Teams, at least 8 total.
Object: Players fling the ball back and forth stepping back 2 steps after each successful toss (like and egg toss).
Procedure: Form 2 lines, each line has players paired with nets. Players start 5' apart. A leader is needed to call out the steps.
Game 9 - Alert
Players: 10 to 20.
Equipment: 1 net per 2 players and 1 ball.
Object: All form a large circle with one pair in the center with a ball in their net. Each pair must have a number. After shouting, "Ready, set" the center pair flings the ball high and yells a number of one of the pairs in the circle.
The pair whose number is called must try to catch the ball. If caught, they start the game again from the center by shouting, "Ready, set" then fling the ball and call another number.
Game 10 - Relay Cross
Players: Multiple teams.
Equipment: 4 nets, 2 balls and marking material.
Procedure: Teams form pairs in parallel columns behind two common lines which are 20' apart.
Side 1 starts at a given signal to fling the ball to Side 2. Side 2 players must attempt to catch the ball. Side 1 must hand the net to the players behind and proceed to the end of the line. Side 2 does the same. The team that completes the cycle first, wins. Completing a cycle means the first players return to the front of the line.
Rules: The ball must be caught in the net. However if the ball hits the ground, players must not let go of the net, but still gather the ball, return to the starting line and fling the ball to their team on the other side. All tosses must be from the line. Game leaders will need to adapt rules as play progresses.
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