Objective of the Game

The One-Hand Reach is a game that not only tests the athlete's physical strength and sense of balance, but his ability to focus and concentrate as well. It truly is a 'mind game.' The competitor has to lift himself off the floor while supporting himself on one hand (and arm) only. He bends the supporting arm to an angle of about 90 degrees at the elbow and tucks the elbow firmly into the side of the body. He then places his hand firmly on the ground, with the thumb pointing away from the body. In this position, he raises himself off the floor by balancing on, and pivoting around, the supporting arm and hand. While balancing in this way, he carefully raises his reaching hand toward a target suspended at a pre­determined height, and touches it. He then moves the hand back down to the floor in a controlled movement. Upon landing, he has to demonstrate clear balance and control, supporting himself only on his hands. Throughout the critical phase of the attempt, he is not allowed to touch the ground with any part of his body other than the supporting hand.

The One-Hand Reach places difficult demands on the athlete's physical and motor skills. Strength endurance in the upper body determines how far the com­petitor is able to extend the upper body, and thus how high he is able to reach. The sense of balance has to be finely developed, as well: While executing the reach, the competitor has to stabilize his body along its full length and keep it off the ground, only pivoting around the elbow tucked into the body, and supported on one hand only. Some athletes are able to almost lay on their side. This moves the reaching shoulder closest to the target, and makes possible an attempt at max­imum height.

Equipment

1. A target in the shape of a seal. It is made of sealskin that is stuffed with a soft material. In the old days, moss might be 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 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) wide, so that it can be seen easily.
2. A stand, made from wood or metal. It should be adjustable to allow the target seal to be suspended at heights ranging from about I0 m (3-4 ft.) to almost 1.8 m (6 ft.). The stand is not strictly necessary, and the target can be suspended anywhere. However, it offers the greatest flexibility to organize the game in a variety of circumstances. During a competitive meet in particular, the stand allows for a quick and precise adjustment of the target's height.
3. A piece of string, used to suspend the seal from the stand.
4. A nylon rope may be used to close off the playing area and keep it free of spectators.
5. A tape measure, used to control and adjust the height of the target.

Playing Area

The One-Hand Reach is an indoor game that can be played in a very small area, because it does not involve significant horizontal movement. The play­ing area should be large enough to accommodate a player stretched out at full body-length.

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

The area should be kept clean. If the surface is smooth (gym floor), moisture has to be removed to prevent slippage.

Teams and Competitors

At the Arctic Winter Games, the One-Hand Reach is played by the senior men only. At the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks, Alaska, the women also participate.

Safety Considerations

The One-Hand Reach requires great balance and strength. Beginners should start with strength and balance training exercises before attempting to compete. A beginner who loses their balance may be at risk of wrist injuries, shoulder injuries, and could fall on their face/head. This can best be prevented if a spotter provides support about the shoulder region immediately when they notice that the athlete loses his balance.

The extreme muscle tension required in the One-Hand Reach can cause a significant sudden increase in blood pressure. Great care should be taken when this game is played with young children.