This heavy-duty therapeutic punching bag was created by Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Dr. Brandy Schumann. Children use this playroom tool to express different emotions.
The BOA generally belongs to the “Aggressive-Release” toy grouping which allows for the expression of emotions that are typically not allowed in other settings. This toy grouping also includes toy soldiers, rubber knives, and toy guns (that purposely do not look realistic). Less obvious, but still important are egg cartoons and popsicle sticks that can be physically broken down and destroyed.
The benefits of including a BOA, bobo, or bag of air in play therapy are numerous for the client and therapist. First, it allows for a “target” or alternative point to effectively redirect anger and aggression displayed by the child, away from the therapist or another group member. The BOA allows insight into emotions, aggression, and ideas including family member loss, parental job loss, or divorce, which all may contribute to behavioral issues. Further, this product is constructed to withstand therapeutic and indoor aggressive play, thereby, diminishing concern about popping it. Painstaking efforts are taken in manufacturing to prevent popping, which will in itself diminish the possibility of the common guilt produced when a child in therapy uses a weaker model of such a tool and pops it.
Additionally, the BOA is often utilized as another person/object in the room, facilitating the working through play via relationship issues. Also, the Bag of Air, in its nondescript form has been used in the expression of many types of play including being ridden (horse/spaceship) or nurtured (fed, medically treated, cared for) arrested, etc.
BOA is a highly durable, superior-grade punching bag made with professional strength inner inflatable bag and a strong but soft nylon cover. This product is much more durable and will not pop on you like its cheap “bop bag” relatives and is guaranteed for two years of indoor appropriate play therapeutic use.
The bag is available in two sizes, 36″ and 48″ with each utilizing a sand-weighted base (Sand is not included). The bladders are comprised of extremely heavy plastic and made with extra large seams. Even so, some air leakage from the bladder may still occur. It is normal practice to replenish the air periodically.
If your BOA develops a persistent leak or if you have other concerns contact us from the “Contact Us” form on this webpage for repair and return instructions.
Reminder:
- If your problem is with only the inner bladder then you need only send that part back to the company for repair.
- If a problem with the outer cover develops, empty the sand out of the inner Velcro patch before mailing.
Detailed directions are included below and within its packaging.
All BOAs require sand to be placed in the Velcro pouch at the base of the outer casing. Regulate the amount of sand to achieve the speed of return you would like. We recommend approximately 15 lbs. of rice. (15 cups) A funnel may aid in depositing the rice into the pouch.
- Place the deflated bladder through the large zippered opening of the casing until the entire bladder is inside the casing.
- Begin to inflate the inner bladder by blowing directly into the black one-way air valve (in place as delivered.) Use either human breaths or an air compressor. Be careful not to puncture or dirty the valve. Also, take care not to use dirty air.
- Inflate bladder approximately 80% full.
- Grip the case and bladder tightly and shake the entire unit until the bladder fits into all corners and areas of the casing.
Inflate the remainder of the bag until the unit is firm. (If you are having trouble blowing through the valve press the center point of the valve with a fingertip to break the air seal and attempt blowing again.) - Once filled to desired capacity, cover the valve with the lid.
- Flatten out the protective flap below the zipper opening and zip up the casing.
- Examine the unit to insure the bladder is full in all areas of the casing. If there are sags or deflated areas partially deflate the bladder and repeat the steps beginning with number 4.
