“Working Memory Wall Ball”
Athletes retain a number in their head (see progression chart below.)
The coach assigns a number of wall balls to perform. Athletes focus on the target (or set of targets, if numbers written on the wall are used.)
As the game progresses, the number of wall balls performed can increase or stay the same. However, the memorization piece should increase in difficulty every round.
At the end of each round, students recite the correct numbers in the proper sequence.
For example:
First round: memorize 3, 4, 5 (easy pattern)
Second round: memorize 3, 6, 9, 12 (clear pattern)
Third round: memorize 3, 4, 6, 9, 13, 18 (less obvious pattern)
Fourth round: memorize 3, B, 11, D, 19, F (hidden pattern – can you find it?)
Fifth round: memorize 3, X, 7, L, 4, arrow (no pattern)
Identifying the pattern makes the game easier, but isn’t necessary to progress. Some students will do best to find the patterns, but some will be able to simply memorize the digits in the correct order.