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We were delighted to launch the newly improved Target alongside our new Fixit application in June. The updated Lü application has enhanced visuals to offer our users a bright and dynamic effect reminiscent of pinball.

Two game modes: competitive and training

The Target application offers two different ways to play: competitive and training. Competitive mode is structured by time, score, or “last team standing,” and allows students to aim at moving targets. In training mode, the height and size of the targets can be customized.

There are ten target heights and ten target sizes to choose from. The settings can be chosen for all columns as a whole or set individually. A menu can also be accessed during the game to adjust the targets and show or hide the score.

In training mode, students can focus more on the accuracy of their movements rather than on competition. For many students, hiding the score lowers the stress of competition, helping them better control their movements.

Users can also take advantage of the standardized menus at the end of the game to quickly replay a game or set new options.

A key tool for developing manipulative skills

Target is a flagship application in Lü’s portfolio that helps develop fundamental manipulative skills. As you know, these skills need to be taught, learned, and supported by plenty of opportunities for practice, encouragement, and feedback.

As stated by Béliveau-Lupien (2016), developing basic motor skills is essential for a wide variety of abilities related to locomotion, balance, and manipulation. Target focuses on the latter category in particular. The game works on a number of manipulative movements like throwing, kicking, and hitting a target, equipping children to lead healthy, active lifestyles in the future (Barnett et al., 2009).

The moving targets in competitive mode also present an opportunity to work on reaction time, i.e., the speed at which players are able to react to external stimulus. This physical skill is different from reflexes, which are involuntary. It’s important in many sports and physical activities.

Target’s competitive mode can also be used to work on certain socio-emotional skills, including emotional regulation. Discussions about students’ reactions to pressure, victory, and defeat can lead to productive interactions.

Greater differentiated instruction with Target’s training mode

The new training mode and its settings offer more opportunities for differentiated instruction with Target. The ability to set differentiated targets gives teachers the flexibility to craft measures to suit different types of students and adapt instruction to their needs, challenges, and capabilities.

Meanwhile, competitive mode is great for students who thrive on competition, with games structured by time, score, or elimination rounds (last team standing).

A versatile application for physical education

In addition to the manipulative movements mentioned above, Target can be used to work on a variety of skills related to physical education. The only limit is the creativity of the teachers and students using the application!

Here are just a few of the skills that can be developed with Target:

  • Underhand throwing
  • Overhand throwing
  • Throwing an object at a target from different distances (use poly spot markers or cones to mark throwing areas)
  • Hitting using hands
  • Hitting using equipment
  • Kicking
  • Relay races: Target can be a fun way to end to your relay races (use training mode to adjust the height of the targets)

In short, we’re very proud to share the results of our work on the Target application, and we’re confident that you’ll appreciate its great potential for your physical education classes.

Download our application catalog to explore all the educational possibilities our applications have to offer!