GirlSports (Brownie Try-it)

GirlSports Try-it [retired]

This Try-it was introduced in 1997 as the Ready, Set, Go Try-it. In 2000 it was renamed GirlSports, and in 2011 it was retired.

To play sports it is important to learn the basics. Start by learning how to throw, catch, kick, volley, and strike.

As with all older Brownie Try-its, scouts need to complete 4 activities to earn the badge.

Stretching Action

It is important to stretch before you exercise or play a sport and afterwards, too. Bending, twisting, and stretching your muscles will keep them flexible. Try these stretches. Hold each one for about 20 seconds.

Thigh Stretch

1. Reach back and grab your left foot with your left hand.
2. Slowly pull your leg back so that your knee moves away from your body.
3. Feel the stretch in thee front of your leg.
4. Repeat with your right leg.

Back of Thigh Stretch:

1. Place your hand under your left knee.
2. Pull your leg up.
3. You should feel a stretch down the back of your leg and your lower back.
4. Repeat this with your right leg.

Calf Stretch:

1. Lean against a wall with your left leg behind you.
2. Keep your right knee slightly bent.
3. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf.
4. Repeat with your right leg.

Chest and Shoulder Stretch:

1. Bring both arms behind you with your fingers together.
2. Straighten your arms.
3. Lift your chest up.

Now that you have warmed up and stretched, it is time to make your heart and lungs stronger with aerobics. As your heart grows stronger, it takes less effort to do the same amount of work. Keep your heart pumping with one or two of the following activities: jumping rope, bicycling, or dancing.

V-Sit

1. Sit on the floor an make your legs into a "V".
2. Reach over and try to touch your right toes. Your knees can be slightly bent.
3. Then try to reach your left toes. Make sure you don't bounce.
4. Now lean forward and stretch your arms out in front of you.

Back Stretch:

1. Lie on your back.
2. Bend your knees and bring them to your chest.

Throwing Skills

Practice underhand throwing using chalk and a beanbag.

• Make a circle on the ground with chalk.
• Stand about 5' back from the circle.
• Toss the beanbag into the circle.

Practice stepping forward with your opposite foot as you throw.

Now let's practice overhand throwing.

You will need:

• Three 1-liter plastic soda bottles or milk jugs
• Chalk or tape
• 1 Cardboard box
• A beanbag

1. Place the plastic bottles or milk jugs about 1" to 2" apart on the box. These will be your targets.
2. Use the chalk to draw a throwing line about 15' from the targets.
3. Stand behind the line and point at the targets with the and that is not holding the beanbag.
4. If you are holding the beanbag in your right hand, step forward with your left foot. If you throw with your left hand, step forward with your right foot.
5. Extend your throwing arm, leading with your elbow.
6. Release the beanbag slightly above your head.
7. See how many bottle you can knock over in 5 throws.

Catching Practice

This activity builds on Activity #2, "Throwing Skills." You and your partner will need a beanbag.

1. Stand facing your partner. Make sure you stand far enough from your partner to be able to toss and catch the beanbag.
2. Practice throwing -- remember to step forward with your left foot if you throw with your right arm.
3. After your partner catches the beanbag, she throws it back to you. Keep your hand cupped so you are ready to catch the beanbag.
4. Count how many times you and your partner can throw and catch the beanbag without dropping it.

Kicking Fun

Try kicking a large balloon in a safe, open play area.

1. Kick the balloon. Run to where it was kicked. Kick it again.
2. Kick the balloon so that it doesn't go very far from you. Tap lightly with the inside of your foot.
3. Kick the balloon with the inside or your foot.
4. Kick the balloon with the outside of your foot.
5. Kick the balloon so that it stays close to the ground.
6. Kick the balloon up into the air. Keep it off the ground. Kick with different parts of your foot.
7. Hold the balloon in both hands. Drop it and kick it before it hits the ground.
8. Kick back and forth with a partner.

Volleying

1. Hit a large balloon up in the  air with your open hand. See if you can keep the balloon from hitting the ground.
2. Hit the balloon up with one hand, then the other. Keep it in the air. Hit it up above your head.
3. Reach up above your head. Hit the balloon upward with both hands. Use your fingertips. Keep the balloon above your head. Hit it again as it comes down.
4. Hit the balloon back and forth from one hand to the other.
5. Strike the balloon up into the air with your head.
6. Keep the ball up in the air. Strike it with your head as it comes back down. Count how many times you can hit the balloon before it touches the ground.
7. Strike the balloon with different parts of your body -- shoulder, elbow, knee, shin, thigh, chest, and foot.

Striking with a Paddle or a Racket

You will need:

• A paddle or racket
• A large balloon

1. Hit the balloon with the paddle while standing in place.
2. Hit the balloon with the paddle while moving around.
3. Hit the balloon back and forth with a partner.
4. Hit the balloon high, hit the balloon low. count how many times you and your partner hit the balloon before it hits the ground.