Beanbag games are ideal for fostering imaginative play in children and are good for getting them away from computers and TV screens. They can be played outdoors in sunny weather as well as indoors when it is rainy. They are also easy to store and carry around which makes them ideal for picnics and camping trips.
It is ideal for motor skills and muscle development as well as eye/hand coordination. Kids will be enthusiastically absorbed in imaginative play for hours. It is a lawn game that encourages good healthy exercise and outdoor time.
Some say the game has its origins in Germany where it was first played in the 1500's. It has a few parallels to horseshoes as both games involve tossing an object towards a target. It is also similar to other sports, such as golf or croquet, in that it requires coordination and skill. Attempting to get a beanbag into a target some distance away with an underhanded throw is no easy feat.
The game comes in sets that can be bought in stores or online. Sets include the game boards and eight beanbags, along with a carry case. The boards have centered holes and are made according to regulation size. They are made of lightweight press wood and have collapsible legs that can be folded under for easy carrying.
The World Bean Bag Association organizes tournaments for this sport and has come up with official rules to play by. In brief, there are two teams, consisting of a maximum four players. Each team gets 4 bean bags and tries to toss these in the center hole of their board. When a bag lands in the hole, the team scores 3 points; they get 1 point if it only lands on the board. Teams alternate taking turns; the game ends when one team reaches 21 points.
It is possible to buy beanbags separately. These come in sets of eight or four and are available in a number of styles. The washable one is especially practical and has a waterproof covering. There are endless varieties of bright patterns and colors available in durable fabric. It is also easy to order a custom design by sending a copy by email.
Teachers and parents alike enjoy using these to foster coordination and motor skills. Whether playing together as a team or practicing alone, children will get many benefits and enjoy many hours of exercise. By devising different size targets or containers for them, children can get proficient quickly. They can also be used to teach team-building games and as ice-breakers.
There are official guidelines set up and manufacturers do their best to follow these in the manufacturing process. One of the key points is making sure that double bags are used as well as double stitching which protects against any possible spills. High grade corn is used to fill these. Corn is mold proof, natural and does not absorb moisture.
Beanbag games offer an ideal alternative for modern kids who need time away from the TV and computer screen. They can keep kids occupied for hours in creative play and healthy exercise. It is such an all-time favorite worldwide, there is even an international organization that organizes tournaments and sets the rules.
