This wooden bat and ball is perfect to demonstrate coaching and feedback skills. Split the group into pairs and give each of the participants a bat and ball.

Round 1:Participant 1 has one minute to bounce the ball with the bat as many times as they can. Participant 2 counts the number of bounces. The trainer times 1 minute and records the number of bounces for the Participant 1s on a flipchart.

Round 2:Participant 2 has one minute to bounce the ball with the bat as many times as they can. Participant 1 counts the number of bounces. The trainer times 1 minute and records the number of bounces for the Participant 2s on a flipchart.

Round 3: Participant 2 has 30 seconds to coach Participant 1 on their "bouncing technique". The trainer times 30 seconds. Participant 1 then has a further one minute to bounce the ball with the bat as many times as they can. Participant 2 counts the number of bounces. The trainer times 1 minute and records the number of bounces for the Participant 1s on a flipchart next to their first score.

Round 4: Participant 1 has 30 seconds to coach Participant 2 on their "bouncing technique". The trainer times 30 seconds. Participant 2 then has a further one minute to bounce the ball with the bat as many times as they can. Participant 1 counts the number of bounces. The trainer times 1 minute and records the number of bounces for the Participant 2s on a flipchart next to their first score.

Give a round of applause to the participant who increased their score the most - give a second round of applause for the coach who coached this increase.

Note for trainer: Every time we have conducted this exercise there has always been an increase in scores, however there is always a first time for everything ! If the score decreases be prepared to debrief the exercises with questions about the effectiveness of the coaching skills. Flipchart good coaching skills and repeat the rounds 3 and 4 instructing the coach to practise the good coaching skills. Record these scores alongside the previous scores on the flipchart and give a round of applause to the groups with the most improved score.

Reconvene and debrief. Flipchart the good coaching skills and the feelings associated with success of the task. Also emphasise that coaching does not have to be formal one hour sessions - this improved performance was achieved with 30 seconds of coaching on the job.

Price per wooden bat and ball - assorted colours - 14cm diameter x 28cm long