Define a line and space that is age and ability appropriate.
Players stand facing each other on opposite sides of the line.
Players start by bouncing the ball on their own side, so that their partner can catch the ball in the air, after it has crossed the line. Ball can not touch the ground.
Partner bounces the ball back immediately from where they caught it.
Keep track of consecutive catches.
Net Bounce Ball: Add a net or a 2m neutral zone using pylons where ball is not permitted to land.
Competitive Bounce Ball: Play as a competitive game by trying to get the ball to land on partner's side.
Play doubles.
Wall Ball: Play against wall with a partner. Bounce ball against floor or wall, and catch (or allow to bounce, then catch). Change boundary sizes to increase or decrease challenge.
What are effective ways to maintain a rally in this game?
Be on the balls of your feet to ensure that you can get anywhere on the court quicker.
Balls high in the air give you more time to get to the ball whereas balls that do not bounce as high in the air are more difficult to get to.
Players can roll a ball with two hands to each other.
Players can throw the ball with two hands and the ball can bounce an unlimited number of times before players catch it.
Can use a large, coloured foam ball.
Can use a bright, orange skipping rope to define the line.
Players can use an underhand throw.
Practice throwing the ball at high, medium, and low levels.
LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY
Easy
Participant Grouping
Groups of two or four.
Equipment
Balls (e.g. beach, foam, paper, wiffle gator): Various bouncing balls Balls (e.g. beach, foam, paper, wiffle gator): 1
Playing Area
Gymnasium Limited Space Outdoors
Life Skills Development
Coping and Self-Management Skills
Do you feel as though this game challenged you?
How could you make this game more challenging for yourself?
Why is challenge important? Why is it important to challenge yourself in school? In social situations? In making healthy decisions on nutrition and physical activity?
FUNdamental Skills
Manipulation Skills
Catching
Preparation Phase: Focus eyes on the ball to be caught while remaining in a relatively low body position (pretend you are riding a motorcycle and focusing on the road ahead).
Execution Phase: Hold your hands out in front of your body with arms bent and fingers forming a triangle.
Follow Through Phase: Absorb the force of the throw by cushioning the ball (bringing your hands closer to your chest with elbows pointing outwards).
