Ready for Cup Stacking?

What is cup stacking actually? 

It is an individual and team sport that involves stacking specialized plastic cups in specific sequences in as little time as possible.

 

My experience

Obviously, the first time is the most difficult one. I have to get use to the feeling of the cups. Also, there is a specific order to stack up the cups. PLUS, you really need a high level of ambixterity. When it comes to pairing up with another person, I have to understand how my partner completes her part. Basically, I have to know what my partner's role is and complete the whole task.

History

The sport was invented by Wayne Godinet, who introduced the first formations and dubbed the sport "Karango Cup Stack". Shortly thereafter, Godinet formed a group called Cupstack. Physical education teacher Bob Fox later developed the activity by formalizing the rules and establishing a governing body, the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA).

Rules

3-3-3: Uses 9 cups. This sequence consists of three sets of three cups each. The three sets must be stacked going from left-to-right or right-to-left, and then down-stacked into their original positions in the same order as the up-stack. (Easy Level)

3-6-3: Uses 12 cups. This sequence is similar to the 3-3-3, except a six stack replaces the three stack in the middle. Each pile of cups is stacked up from left-to-right or right-to-left, and the down-stack occurs in the same order. (Intermediate Level)

Cycle: Uses 12 cups. This is a sequence of stacks in the following order: a 3-6-3 stack, a 6-6 stack and a 1-10-1 stack, finishing in a down stacked 3-6-3. (Advanced Level)

Categories

Individual: Each competitor is allowed two warm-ups and three timed tries for each sequence. The best time for each sequence is recorded and compared with other competitors. In the case of a tie, the second best times are used.

Doubles: Two competitors stand side-by-side to complete the stack, with one competitor using only his or her right hand while the other using only his or her left hand. The same rules for individuals apply here. The only official doubles event is the Cycle (with the exception of the "Special Stackers" category, where only the 3-6-3 is offered).

[You can pair up with your loved ones :D]

(My doubles partner for Cup Stacking)

Relay: Four competitors take turns stacking at a table, switching when the preceding competitor crosses the foul line with at least one foot. The foul line is observed by a line judge, who decides whether or not this rule was followed. The 3-6-3 relay is the only official event; however, some tournaments offer head-to-head (best 2 out of 3) 3-6-3 and Cycle relays. There are no warm-ups in this event.

So which category you prefer? Doubles category is fun for me.

Benefits

Participants learn cooperation, ambidexterity and hand-eye coordination.

A video to learn cup stacking:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTQafnLf89w

 

Pictures (Enjoy~)

 



 Time for some fun :)

 

 Oops which cup next?

 

 Mission accomplished! (yay :D)

 Team face-off? Which team you support :O

 Planning out strategies hmmm...

 Hooray, we won :D

 

pictures taken from Vinco's facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vinco/355944201191758?fref=ts)

 

 

So what are you waiting for? Get a set of cups and start playing!

 

(Get ready for next episode: Using spaghetti and marshmallows in a game. Bringing it to you next week. Stay tuned!)