Supervision

• Constant visual supervision is required when students are attempting difficult moves for the first time on an apparatus.
• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

NB: The Kids CanMove program promoted a non-spotting approach. Skills which require spotting should be left out of school gymnastics classes.

Instructional Considerations

• Familiarize students with safety rules prior to using a ball.
• Practice appropriate  activities with the balls.
• Never attempt to stand on a ball.
• Give students an opportunity to develop control of the various lead up activities. Teachers should monitor readiness for progressions and allow students to work at their own comfort level, attempting only what they feel capable of handling.
• Progress from individual activities to partners and then to more complex relationship work in groups. Only attempt partner and group relationships when students are able to demonstrate control and mastery of basic skills individually.

Skills that should not be performed:

• Inverted skills, without support. No saltos (flips).
• Hanging on bars without hand support. No hanging by knees only.
• Inverted skills from a springing device. No dive rolls from a mini trampoline.
• Vaults using mini trampolines.
• No headstands, very minimal time on heads is recommended.

Equipment/Facilities

• Adjust the ball size to suit the participants. The ball should be of a size that allows the student to sit on the ball with his/her feet flat on the floor and a 90 degree angle of flexion at the ankles, knees and hips. There should be a spongy feel to the ball so that there is some “give” to it. This creates proper movement on the ball and ensures adequate friction between the ball and the floor.
• Have students check to see that they are not wearing anything sharp or pointed which might puncture or cut the ball (e.g., jewelry, buckles, zippers).
• Students should work in bare feet, never in socks.
• Do not inflate the balls more than the maximum size designated.
• Store the balls away from sharp or protruding objects.
• When the balls are not in use, deflate them and store in heavy bags.
• Check balls regularly for small cuts that may make them vulnerable to popping when compressive forces are exerted.
• Use the balls on a clean floor.
• Consider using a Kinball^®️ or Omnikin^®️ rather than a Gymnic ball for kicking and throwing games.