A few years ago, MOTI Sports visited with Pamela Skogsatd regarding the innovative Soccer Ball she developed for teaching soccer to students needing adaptive physical education and players with special developmental needs. They benefited from using a ball when struck and would not roll as far as a normal ball.

We believe in her product. We mention it here in our newsletter as it supports a wide range of players’ needs in the training and educational community for Teachers.

By Pamela Skogstad (B.S., M.A., C.A.P.E) – Reprint with permission

Everyone needs the Correct Ball to Learn.

Developing the Ball

The Slow Motion Soccer Ball was created in the fall of 2010 as an innovative approach to teaching independent ball skills to students with disabilities and coordination issues. The concept of slowing a ball, which would enable students with disabilities, coordination issues, and specifically students on the autism spectrum to track the ball easily, was the criteria. The slow motion of the weighted ball allowed the ball to remain in play, creating an opportunity for repetitive trials. Because of the nature of how the ball rolls, the ball also stays within the zone of proximity (Vygotsky), which affords children a great propensity to play

Inserting 283 grams of sand into a regular soccer ball created a unique feature that allowed the ball to move slower and remain in play. Experimenting with various weights over three months, 170 grams, 226 grams, and 283 grams, demonstrated that 283 grams of sand was a successful weight for independent ball skill activities. Children on the Autism Spectrum specifically gravitated to the ball with 283 grams of steel bird shot.

Experimenting with various weights over three months, 170 grams, 226 grams, and 283 grams, demonstrated that 283 grams of sand was a successful weight for independent ball skill activities. Sensory Soccer with 283 grams of steel bird shot demonstrated a successful strategy for students with visual impairment and students on the Autism Spectrum. The weight of the ball, slow motion of the ball, and sound of the ball are successful strategies for engaging children on the Autism Spectrum.

Testing the Ball

Research trials conducted by David Ratsakatika in 2012 demonstrated a significant increase in soccer-style dribbling for students with disabilities, specifically students on the Autism Spectrum. Students with disabilities can practice, practice, and practice independently.

• Developmentally appropriate
• Excellent for skill development
• Because of the nature of how the ball rolls, it stays within the “zone of proximal distance” (Vygotsky), affording athletes practice, practice, practice

Researching the ball’s effectiveness

Research conducted by David Ratsakatika, 2013 (University of Chichester London, England) demonstrated a substantial increase in dribbling skills by students with Autism (ASD).

(Developmental Ball: original Slow Motion ball)

How to obtain the Ball for your adaptive students needs

The Ball is available here for purchasing for Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education.

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