Ring Toss
Test your timing, coordination, and bike-body separation with Ring Toss—land an inner tube on a target while riding past! Turn it into a relay, add challenges, and get the whole team in on the fun!
Sharks and Minnows
This month, check out “Sharks and minnows” – a game that provides an opportunity for fun and team building while also giving coaches a chance to observe and assess student-athletes’ bike skills and the team dynamic.
2 Truths and 1 Lie
This month, check out “2 truths and 1 lie” – a game played with the intent of getting to know each other that also makes a great filler between activities or while on a break from riding and skills exercises. Coaches can get in on this one, too!
Chase the Rabbit
An awesome part about NICA is the opportunity for student-athletes of all skill levels to ride together as a team. This game is designed to give groups of mixed abilities a chance to have some fun while honing skills.
Infected/Zombie Tag
Fall is in the air, scary movies are hitting the theaters, and zombies are out looking for “braaaaains”! This hilarious game is sure to get a laugh out of your student-athletes in the fall season. If you’re in a spring league, don’t let the time of year stop you from throwing this activity into the mix. It’s a great tool for a quick assessment of slow speed bike handling skills, and also a great way to gauge the cohesiveness of your team.
B-I-K-E
A combination of Follow the Leader and H-O-R-S-E basketball game. The
object of the game is to match and perform riding challenges. It’s important that this game is guided by coaches to keep it within the scope NICA riding!
Camp Feature
Many NICA leagues have camps this time of year – from adventure riding camps to GRiT camps to skills clinics, kids have lots of opportunities to ride with their peers in new and exciting situations and places! One league that has been strong in their camp game is West Virginia NICA! This summer, WV held their 4th annual adventure riding camp and their 6th annual GRiT camp!
Bike Noodling!
Master timing and coordination with this fun and challenging game! Perfect for building bike-body separation and cornering skills while having a blast.
SCREAM ‘TIL YOU DROP!
A NEW off-the-bike game for NICA coaches! Get loud and get silly with this off-the-bike game. Never underestimate our student-athletes’ desire to still be kids and have FUN. Games can turn up the fun factor and provide variety for everyone at practice.
Adapting Games at Practice
Games increase fun, joy, and skill development. Allowing our athletes to play supports connection to their teammates and the sport of mountain biking. Coaches work in a dynamic environment, and your games will often need to be revised or adapted. Making a change doesn’t mean that you did something wrong, or that it was a bad game. It is essential to adapt activities to ensure that athletes are having fun and experiencing the right level of challenge.