Having a Ball: Stability Ball Games

by John Byl

It makes Kids, balls, bouncing, laughter, and fun all go together. And in Having a Stability Ball Games , author John Byl shows you how to get kids bouncing, laughing, moving, and having great fun—all as they improve their fitness skills. Having a Ball features

-73 stability ball games, with variations, that teach balance and coordination;

-a great variety of challenges, races, relays, and team games for all participants;

-a game finder that helps you quickly find the right activity for your group; and

-games that work for youth in fitness centers, schools, park departments—wherever it is you work with kids. The book is organized into seven chapters based on the nature of the activities and the number of players involved. There are games for partners working together to complete a challenge; for individuals, pairs, or groups to complete tasks as quickly as possible; and relays involving teams of three or four players each. There are also chase games, games for larger groups, and activities that pit two teams against each other. Each game lists an objective and notes the equipment, number of players, and setup required. Instructions take you sequentially through explaining the game to your players. The games come with variations, and you and your players are encouraged to add to those variations to make the games work best for your particular situation. Whether you're using these games in a fitness center, recreation program, or school, they'll be a hit with kids because the games are a blast—and using nontraditional equipment helps to level the playing field so everyone gets to participate equally.

152 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2008

About the author

Dr. John Byl, B.Sc., Ph.D., took an interest in the work of Reformation Christian Ministries many years ago through introductions made from within the Canadian Reformed Churches of which he is a member. His interest peaked when we began the Reformation International College (RIC) and he has assisted us from its beginning with advise and counsel regarding subjects related to his sphere of knowledge.

He has been an elder in the Canadian Reformed Church. He is presently a professor at Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, where he began in 1978, took over as chair of the department of Mathematical Sciences in 1980 and received his full professorship in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of British Columbia in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the same in 1973. He also serves on RIC Educational and Doctoral committees.
He previously worked as a visiting professor at Dordt College, Iowa, in the Physics Department during 1977-79. He previously worked as a post doctoral fellow from 1973-75 and as lecturer from 1975-77 at the University of British Columbia, Department of Geophysics & Astronomy in Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

In 1999, he was awarded the Templeton Award for Science/Religion Course for his course Math 480: Foundations in the Mathematical Sciences: Theological and Philosophical Issues.
Dr. Byl's research interests are in Astronomy (celestial mechanics, cosmology), physics (special relativity), computing (cellular automata), mathematics (infinite tasks), interaction between science and religion. In recent years the focus of my research has shifted to philosophical and theological issues related to the foundations of mathematics, physics and cosmology.

He was born in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1949 and is now a Canadian citizen, is married and has six children.