Jianzi is a traditional Chinese ball game in which one tries to keep a weighted shuttlecock from touching the ground by using his or her feet. Playing Jianzi will be the vehicle through which students will apply their object control skills to develop a cognitive understanding of a sport that is enveloped with the culture of China and at the same time cultivate balance and coordination attributes.
Objectives
Motor: Student will be able to bounce a shuttle cock on the foot of their choice 3 times consecutively during the drill portion of class in ¾ trials when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Cognitive: Students will be able to comprehend the Chinese cultural significance of Jianzi, its historical roots in China and how it contributes as a recreational and competitive sports in a classroom discussion, during the reflection portion of the activity when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Affective: At the end of a Jianzi Shuttlecock game, students will give their opponent a high five to show sportsmanship, when verbally prompted.
Skill Focus: Object control with feet; balance; coordination.
Equipment
Jianzi shuttlecocks.
Hacky sack(Alternative)
Bean bag(Alternative)
Beach Ball(Alternative)
Activity Description
Give a background of Jianzi and how it's lavish to the Chinese culture as well as its history being used in ancient days as a skill game.
Showcase some of the simple skills(Balancing the shuttle cock on one foot then switching, bouncing in one foot) the game involves such as kicks(inside of foot, toe box) and how to aim.
Drill the students while at it where they practice keeping the Jianzi shuttlecock off the ground using various parts of their feet.
Divide the students into pairs or small teams and play Jianzi games so that they can put the above to practical use.
Gather students to discuss scoring in Jianzi games, stressing the importance that teamwork is the main key point of this game, precision is important and not letting the shuttlecock touch the ground.
Conclude the lesson with a reflection session whereby students get to express how participation of Jianzi Shuttlecock has improved their object control skills as well as understanding cultural significance about this traditional Chinese game.
Modification
Challenge: Incorporate variations of playing styles, specifically limiting touches for every player and encouraging advanced movements. Students can get into teams and play a match if they feel confident in their skills.
Simplified: Learn basic and controlled kicks, mentoring more those who will be new in Jianzi playing. Students ban practice bouncing or balancing the shuttlecock with rallying with a partner is difficult.
