Bounce and Catch
Drop, bounce, catch. Then bounce and clap. Then bounce to a partner. Catching is much easier when the ball comes up from the floor, so this is where catching starts.
Overview
You need
Soft ballsOptional: Hoops
Skills developed
- Manipulative: catching with two hands
- Tracking: watching the ball up and down
- Coordination: timing the catch
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Each child has a ball that bounces, in their own space.
2Step 2
Coach in front, demonstrating: drop the ball, let it bounce once, catch it in two hands.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Drop, bounce, catch. Ten times.
- Drop, bounce, clap, catch. Then two claps.
- Pairs: bounce the ball to your partner so it bounces once between you.
Tips for explaining
"Fingers spread, hands like a basket." Catch with hands, not arms and chest.
"Watch it all the way in." Eyes follow the ball into the hands.
Make it easier / harder
EasierBigger ball. Catch after two bounces.
HarderBounce with one hand. Bounce, turn round, catch.
Safety
Space between children: a missed catch rolls.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.