Mindball: Can You Relax?

The two-person game of Mindball is gaining popularity across the country. Designed in 2005, by the Swedish Company Interactive Productline, mindball is a game where you want to be in control. Mindball was designed after the prototype of BrainBall which was also developed in Sweden. This no frills game takes a different approach to the action packed games we are accustomed too. Instead of getting your heart pumping the key to success in this game is total relaxation.

All you need to play this game is two people, a ball, a table, and a headband containing electrodes. The players wear the headbands in order to monitor their brainwaves. What the device is specifically looking for our the Alpha and Theta waves. These waves are said to determine when one is calm and relaxed. The object of Mindball is to push the small ball over your opponent's side of the table without using anything except your mind. Believe it or not there is a social aspect to this game. If the headband containing electrodes are connected to a television monitor then spectators can actually watch you as you try to relax. It would be exciting to see how quickly this game changes hands. If one breaks their concentration or becomes frustrated the other play can quickly settle the score.

Mindball is popping up in museums everywhere. The closest one that I found to my home in Saratoga Springs is at the Schenectady Museum. During the third week of every month they offer free admission to the museum on "Art night." From 5 to 7pm you can try out Mindball for yourself. Mindball games can either be purchased or rented. They would make a great addition to any party, conference, or group event. I found a company, NovelQuest out of Quebec City Canada, that rents the Mindball game. They rent for all occasions throughout the United States and Canada. Rentals can be anywhere from one to eight weeks. Cost varies greatly depending on your location and how long you need the game. Prices can range anywhere from a few thousands on up. Exact prices can be provided by contacting NovelQuest on their website, www.emperor1510.com/mindball.html.

In my opinion this game can actually help to improve your health. If you want to win at Mindball you need to master the techniques of relaxing. If the opposing player is more relaxed than you they will win. By learning how to relax you can apply these new found techniques into your daily life. If we all learned effective coping methods and how to limit stress we would be on our way to a healthier self.

Sources:

Schenectady Museum
www.schenectadymuseum.org/events

Interactive Productline
www.mindball.se/

NovelQuest
www.emperor1510.com/mindball.html