-
use large light balls (balloons, beach balls) for the student in a wheelchair
or using a walker or crutches
-
tether a ball to the wheelchair using elastic
-
place beanbags on students feet and ask them to try and kick them off
-
remove foot plates on wheelchairs (when appropriate)
Students who use power wheelchairs or manual wheelchairs with assistance have
limited movement or no movement of their legs. These students may kick using a
two foot thrusting motion. This forward motion of the legs can be developed to
perform the skill on request with increasing accuracy and timing:
-
use a ball larger than a soccer ball
-
move the legs through the kicking action so they understand the concept
-
stabilize the ball to be kicked
-
have students focus on their leg actions
-
try the chairs in different positions, i.e.; facing the direction of the kick
or sideways to the direction of the kick
Ambulatory students with cerebral palsy may be able to run and kick stationary
and moving balls. These students may have limited preparatory leg swing and
follow through as well as limited trunk rotation. With practice, range of
motion and trunk rotation will occur.
