Movement skills/concepts

Catching a ball approaching at different levels, angles, and at different speeds, passing, and throwing.

Set-up

• A variety of small and large balls.
• Each group of six-seven, with one ball, stands in a circle in the grass or hard area.

Activity 1: Throw and catch

The player with the ball throws it to anyone in the circle other than an adjacent player. The thrower then runs around the circle to the catcher’s position while the catcher throws and runs.

Activity 2: Catchers against runners

The child with the ball throws it to one of the adjacent players, then runs around the circle back to their place. The remaining players pass the ball around the circle to see how many catches they can make before the runner gets back. If the first pass is dropped, the runner starts again.

Activity 3: Your ball

The thrower with the ball stands in the middle of the circle and throws the ball high, calling a player’s name. That player moves into the circle and the thrower takes up the player’s position outside the circle. The named player catches the ball, then throws it up while naming another player to catch. Continue.

Can you see …?

• eyes on the ball
• catch with soft fingers
• fingers pointing up for a ball above the waist, pointing down to catch a ball below the waist
• getting under the ball to catch it

You could ask …

How will you have your hands to catch a high ball?

Sometimes the ball pops out of our hands. How can you keep the ball in your hands? Where should you position your body to receive a catch?