This week at Epping Forest Sportability we practiced our cricket and tennis skills, this included: throwing, catching and hitting the ball as well as teamwork. As the sun decided to make an appearance Coach Alan chose to run this weeks session on Oak View's sports field.
Starting with cricket, we split the group in to two teams and they took it in turns to try and successfully hit five deliveries, in order to win points for their respective teams.

It was turning in to a very hot day so after a much needed drinks break we took part in some 'velcro' tennis. This requires velcro 'raquets' (pads), tennis balls and some perseverance but our members soon got the hang of the game. First practicing throwing and catching the ball in pairs and then in their teams before proceeding to play a match. As you can see from the photos below we also incorporated the big targets in to a throwing game to help practice aiming and throwing a ball. 

Before we played the Velcro tennis match there was time for another break. Normally we preach only healthy snacks at EFSC but as this was the last week before summer Ryan  kindly brought in a variety of chocolate goodies like mini donuts and muffins and Georgia brought in chocolate cakes as it was her very last session with us.  The tennis game was played a bit like basketball but with a target at each end in place of a basket. The teams would throw the ball to each other using the velcro pads. A good aim and catch and the ball passes easily between team mates but a throw off target allows the opposing team a chance to get the ball. As you can see in the photos it was great fun  and the smiles speak for themselves

At the end of the session we took a couple of group photos, unfortunately a few of the members had to leave early so the group shot was not as big as it could have been. We wrapped up by saying a big thank you to all the staff who help to make sure the club runs every week, to all the parents and carers for their support and for all the kids for coming along and participating so well.
As it was the last session before summer it was time to say a couple of goodbyes. Georgia and Sophie have been with us for the  last year and a bit, helping run the sessions. Both are off to University in September and we wish them both well for the future and we owe them both a very big THANK YOU for all the help they have provided, I know Theo for one will sorely miss Georgia helping him out each week.
We will be back on Saturday 10th September at the usual time. So until then we wish you all a great summer holiday and hope you enjoy your break.

​The good weather meant that we could get out on to Oak View’s sports field this week at Epping Forest Sportability Club. After the usual warm up of stretches and exercises it was straight in to some Athletics with some running and sprinting. From there the races continued but this time with some obstacles to navigate along the way such as going through hoops. We finished off the running with some lap races around the track

​After that it was time for some Turbo Javelin throwing. Don’t worry these aren’t the real long, lethal, metal type but rather a colourful plastic version suitable for kids. Lastly, before the kids had a well-deserved break there was time for some Parachute games which brought in some team work to the proceedings as they had to work together to balance the ball.

​After the break it was time for something new at EFSC as we tried out some Orienteering. The idea, map templates and signs all came from the wonderful staff at Oak View School. We laid out various coloured cones on the field in a pre-arranged grid but then the maps the kids used were all different meaning each child had to work out their own individual route. It was certainly different from other sports we had done before and meant the kids “grey matter” got a bit of exercise as well as their feet. All in all it was a great success and the kids loved it.

​After another short break we finished off with a quick game of football and they played a lot better than Ronaldo! At the end of the session the coaches decided that Kerrie was our star of the week so very well done to Kerrie.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no Sportability Club next Saturday but we are back on Saturday 23rd July for one final session before the summer break so see you all then!

We had a really good turn out this week to enjoy some sports in the summer sun, while it lasted. This week was mainly about cricket and following on from some of the skills practiced last week we started off with some throwing and catching practice. Using tennis balls we again practiced in pairs throwing to each other and catching. As the pairs got better they moved further apart making the aim of the throw important and a bit trickier to catch. We then moved on to throwing at a target, in this case the cricket stumps. Coach Alan demonstrated how the ball was to be thrown then oversaw as each member took their turn.
After a short drinks break we split the group in half to play two variations of cricket. Outside in the sun members took it in turns to bat while the rest of the group bowled or fielded. Inside in the hall they played Three Tee cricket and a couple of the photos below show quite well how it is played. The members take it in turns to bat and try and get as many runs as possible. When batting they hit the three tennis balls off their tee's and try to get them to hit the opposite wall for extra runs. Then they have to get as many runs between the wickets as they can before the fielding team return the three balls and tees to their original positions. It is a fun, fast and frenetic game.
After a while the two groups switched between inside and outside so they got to experience  the fun of both games.

After another break we finished off with more games in the two groups. Outside they played some games of football with coach Ray in charge whilst inside Ciara led some basketball shooting practice. At the end of a very active and fun session the coaches awarded the Star of the Week award to Charlotte, one of our original members who has been coming for over 10 years. Well done Charlotte!