Objective of the Game

The One-Foot High Kick is one of the indoor games that were traditionally played during the winter months, especially when several groups met during the dark and short days of the year. It is a game that combines power ('explosive strength') with a high degree of coordination and body control. It is considered to be among the most difficult of Inuit traditional games.

A target is suspended at a pre-determined height. The athlete takes a run-up or a walk-up of a few steps, takes off from both feet, and while in the air, attempts to kick, or touch, the target with one foot only. The attempt ends with a controlled one-foot landing on the kicking foot only. The requirement to land on the kicking foot only, makes the One-Foot High Kick particularly difficult. For a valid attempt, the athlete has to demonstrate control and balance on landing.

The game can also be played as a stationary jump without the run-up. This can be useful to develop the coordination and balance skills required for success­ful execution, because the athlete can concentrate on his jumping technique with­out having to control the run-up.

Different kinds of athletic and motor skills determine the quality and height of the kick. First, explosive strength (power) is required for the jump, the kicking motion and the quick movement downward of the kicking leg. Second, excellent body control is required in order to maintain balance in mid-air for the proper execution of the actual one-foot kick.

The One-Foot High Kick as described here includes the run-up or walk-up. In a competitive situation, the version without the run-up should be played as a sep­arate game, because the height of the kick will be lower. Most athletes competing at the Arctic Winter Games use either a run-up or a walk-up.

Equipment

1. A target, either a miniature seal or a small traditional ball. It is made of seal­ skin that is stuffed with a soft material. Traditionally, moss was often used. The skin is cut and sewn to represent a seal. The seal should be about 10-12.5 cm (4-5 in.) long, and about 5-7.5cm (2-3 in.) wide, so that it can be seen easily. The ball is about 10cm (4 in.) in diameter
2. A kickstand, made from wood or metal. It should be adjustable so that the tar­get seal can be suspended at heights ranging from 1.2 m (4 ft) to almost 3 m (10 ft). The kickstand is optional, but offers the greatest flexibility to organize the game in a variety of circumstances.
3. A piece of string, used to suspend the target seal from the high-kick stand.
4. A nylon rope to close off the playing area and keep it clear of spectators.
5. A tape measure, used to control and adjust the height of the target seal.

Playing Area

Traditionally, the One-Foot High Kick was an indoor game, and it is mainly played indoors today. The playing area should be large enough to allow the athlete to take as long a running approach towards the target as desired. An approach area of about 3 m (10 ft.) in length will usually be sufficient. If an appropriate playing area is not available, the competitors may decide to play the stationary version of the game, instead.

The playing area should be roped off to keep it clear of spectators. Only com­petitors and judges are allowed inside the playing area.

Teams and Competitors

At the Arctic Winter Games, competitors are divided into junior/open, and male/female groups.

Safety Considerations

The best injury prevention strategy is to make a thorough warm-up and stretching session a part of every practice. A spotter may be used to assist an athlete who loses his balance. An instructor who has worked with Inuit athletes for more than 25 years remembers only one serious ankle injury to have occurred during that period of time.