Activities For Fistball Players With Dogs
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Introduction
Fistball is a sport that you likely want to play all the time - once you start, it is hard to stop! However, that sweet pup that you have at home may also be begging for your attention. What to do?! You want to head to the fistball field to play a few games but your dog's cute face makes you want to stay at home and spend time with them instead. Now, you can have the best of both worlds as these great activities will incorporate your dog into your fistball life.
Bump and Roll
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Fistball
Dog Treats
Activity description
When playing fistball it is super important to work on hitting that ball. From serving to passing, hitting it over the net and just to your fellow players, you need to be a ball hitting expert to be good at fistball. Luckily, you have a great friend that can help you train - your dog! Your pup is the perfect training partner who will be able to return the ball to you after you hit it every time. This activity is completely free and will give your dog a great workout while you practice your ball hitting skills. Wait for a sunny day when you and your pup can play outside.
Step
1
Open space
While you can definitely find a real fistball court to practice on, you can also head to a nice open field with your dog and your fistball. See if you can find a place that is fenced in so that you don't need to worry about your dog running away. An indoor court that allows dogs would also be great and would allow you to practice year round.
Step
2
Ball pusher
Before practicing your hits, teach your dog how to roll the fistball back to you on command. Place the ball on the ground and let your dog sniff it a little and, when they start to move it with their nose either by accident or on purpose, say "push" and give them a treat! Practice pushing the ball around a few times so your pup gets the idea that ball retrieval equals treats.
Step
3
Bump it up
Practice hitting the ball, bumping it up as if you were serving, pounding it as if you were spiking it over the net and hitting it as far as you can, using extra force. After every hit, encourage your dog to roll the ball back to you and give them a treat. Practice every day with your dog; you will get better at fistball and your pup will be happily exhausted at the end of the day.
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Plank
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Normal
15 min
Items needed
Dog Treats
Activity description
Having a strong core is extremely important in the game of fistball. All of your power comes from the center of your body so building strong core muscles is very important to improving your game. This activity will not only help you strengthen your core muscles but also your arms, another important part of fistball! In addition to being so beneficial for your game, you will also be able to have a lot of fun with your dog at the same time. For the cost of a few dog treats, you can do this activity anytime, anywhere so get ready to build some muscle and play with your pup right now!
Step
1
Get set up
Grab a few dog treats and call your dog over to an area where you have a nice flat and level floor (inside, outside...doesn't matter). Have your dog sit and stay (maybe toss them a treat for listening) and place the dog treats on the ground in a pile. Then get into the push-up position next to your dog, so your pup is to your side and the dog treats are between your arms. Keep your arms straight and your head in line with your body, looking straight down at the pile of dog treats.
Step
2
Feel the burn
The idea of doing a "plank" is to hold the push-up position without bending your arms or letting your back arch. Holding this position will utilize many muscles which you will quickly feel! Don't let your stomach touch the ground! However, to keep it interesting, it is time to have your dog help you!
Step
3
Pass through
While maintaining your plank position. pick up one hand and grab a dog treat. Hold it under your stomach and have your dog army crawl under your body by using the treat to lure them. Once they are out of your "tunnel", grab a treat with your opposite hand and lure your dog back under. Never leave your plank position and you will surely feel those fistball muscles burning!
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Never Drop
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Fistball Ball
Dog Treat
Activity description
When you play a round of fistball, you never want the ball to drop to the ground. You constantly hit the ball up in the air, diving for it in order to prevent it from falling and racing to get under the ball before it touches the ground. This is something you and your dog can work on together right in your own home. Sounds ideal right? Improve your fistball game at home with your pup? It is also basically free to play this game as all you need are a fistball ball and a few dog treats! Maybe you should try this game right now!
Step
1
Get some space
While you can definitely play this game inside, you will want to clear a little space in your home to give yourself some room to play. Move the furniture back a little and get anything off the floor that you may trip over. You will likely have your eye on the ball the whole game and you don't want to fall over a misplaced dog toy!
Step
2
Treat attach
Grab a few of your dog's favorite treats and stick them onto your fistball ball using tape or, if they are naturally sticky, just push them on to the ball. Your dog will see the treats on the ball and get pretty excited as well. Then, head to your nice open space and get ready to play!
Step
3
Don't let it drop
Use your wrists to hit the ball up over and over, keeping it in your control and not ever letting the ball fall. Keep your eyes on the ball (your dog will also have their eyes on the ball too, they will be craving those treats!) and try not to hit the ball where the treats are. This will help you practice hitting the ball in a specific spot in order to get the most out of each hit. If you do lose control of the ball and it falls, your dog gets all the treats! Then, start again!
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More Fun Ideas...
Daily Jog
There is a lot of running involved in fistball and it is a good idea to have some cardio exercise in your daily routine. Bring your dog out for a run with you. Even if you only go a mile, you and your dog will be happy and healthier (and better at fistball).
Ball Recycling
When your fistball ball gets a little old and you can no longer play with it, give it to your dog! Even the smallest pups will enjoy digging their teeth into the ball and tearing it around the house.
Conclusion
With so few fistball players in the world, becoming the best player out there may truly be within your reach. If you practice daily, work on your ball skills, build muscle and improve your cardio, you can become one of the fistball greats. Since you are lucky enough to have a great training partner, the chances are even greater! So call your pup over, grab your fistball ball and some dog treats and start playing any one of these fun, fistball games.