Objective
Teach kids to keep their eyes on the target, ignore distractions, and only move when they see the correct cue.
This builds visual focus, stillness, and discipline before striking.
Equipment Needed
- Floor dots
- Small targets (focus pads, pool noodles, or even coloured circles)
- One distraction object (ball, glove, noodle)
Setup
Kids stand on dots in a circle.
Instructor stands in the middle with a pad or noodle.
Explain:
“Focus means using your eyes properly. You look at the target, not the things around you.”
Drill Breakdown
1. Stillness and Eyes On Target
Kids stand in stance.
Instructor says:
“When I hold the pad still, you stay still. When I move it, your eyes follow the pad.”
Move the pad slowly left, right, up, down.
Kids only follow with their head and eyes.
Body stays still.
2. Add Fake Movements
Instructor makes quick fake moves or distractions with the other hand:
- Throws a glove in the air
- Taps the floor
- Waves a noodle above their head
Kids do not react.
They must only react to the pad in your main hand.
This is the heart of focus training.
3. Strike Only on the Cue
Now add the striking element.
Rules:
- If the pad is high → palm strike
- If the pad is low → hammer strike
(You can keep it even simpler if needed.)
Move the pad around slowly, then hold it briefly in a striking position.
Kids only strike when the target “locks in.”
If they strike early, reset them with humour:
“Your brain jumped too fast. Tell it to slow down.”
4. Add Team Distraction
Pick one child as the “Distractor.”
They walk around making silly but safe movements (not touching anyone).
Everyone else must keep focus on the instructor’s pad.
This teaches resisting peer distraction.
Rotate distractors so everyone gets a turn.
5. Final Challenge: Close Eyes → Open & Strike
Tell kids:
“Close your eyes. When I say ‘Open’, look for the pad and strike the correct technique.”
Rotate pad height or technique on every round.
This develops snap focus — opening the eyes and seeing the right thing instantly.
Safety Rule
If anyone loses balance or falls, everyone stops and helps.
Never step over or around someone on the floor.
Coaching Points
- Keep distractions safe and controlled.
- Reward the kids who stay still and focused.
- Remind them: “Eyes first, body second.”
- Keep strikes clean and slow — avoid wild shots.
- Younger kids will copy at first, and that’s fine. Gradually encourage independence.