Trainee PE teachers learn new alternative team game

PGCE and School Direct Physical Education trainee teachers were introduced to a new innovation when they took part in a Rock-it-ball workshop.

The game of VX (previously known as Rock-it-ball) originated in North Yorkshire in 2006. VX is officially a gender-neutral activity and is best described as a hybrid of lacrosse and dodgeball.

The game has recognised singles (three balls), doubles (four balls) and five-a-side (five balls) formats, but player and ball numbers can be changed to suit indoor space and participant numbers.

The aim of the activity is simply to strike an opponent below the neck with a low-pressure ball thrown using a ‘VstiX’ (double-ended lacrosse stick), with targeting players looking to avoid, catch or block the incoming ball.

Since its launch Rock-it-ball has spread rapidly through schools in the UK and has also started to be adopted by colleges and universities. The game has had great impact in the field of education in promoting honesty in sport and increasing participation amongst children who don’t generally enjoy participating in ‘normal’ team games.

As a sport Rock-it-ball is one of the few areas where male and female players compete on an equal basis. It has elements of several sports, particularly dodgeball and lacrosse, and is played by players of all abilities. The sport is played with a ‘Rock-it’ which is a control bar with a thrower/catcher on each end. Two teams of four players play with four low-impact balls and fire the balls at each other.

Hitting the opponent with a ball scores one point but if the opponent catches the ball in the catcher he gets two points. As four balls are in use players find they have to be constantly be on the move. Schools have also used VX in their approach to include more girls in physical education lessons as there are no ingrained cultural attitudes within the game that need changing.

PGCE and School Direct PE route leader Dr Gary Stidder said: ““VX provides an exhausting cardiovascular workout but also develops and promotes skill development, spatial and tactical awareness and hand-eye co-ordination.

“In the UK it can be played all year round no matter what the weather and gives PE teachers different activities for indoor spaces.”