Ball-Passing Quartet Choreography
Groups of 4 compose a routine where tossing and catching balls follows the beat of the music and is combined with turns, level changes, and square passing patterns. Students work on throwing accuracy, rhythm, and group coordination with objects.
How to play
- In pairs 10 feet apart: underhand toss on count 1 and catch on count 3, counting out loud and then with music (4 minutes).
- Add a move between the toss and the catch: a turn, dropping to one knee, or a clap behind the back (4 minutes).
- Form quartets in a 10-foot square. Try three patterns: pass across, pass around to the right, and a simultaneous crossing pass with two balls (5 minutes).
- Each quartet composes 64 counts using all three patterns, a move between passes, and a final frozen image with the balls held high (6 minutes).
- Each quartet performs for another, which counts dropped balls and offers one idea to improve (3 minutes).
- Last rehearsal using the suggestion and a quick showing for the whole class (2 minutes).
Rules
- Tosses are underhand and arrive at the catcher's chest height.
- On crossing passes, toss with an arc so the balls don't collide.
- If a ball drops, whoever picks it up returns to their spot and the group rejoins at the next block.
Variations
Easier
Use larger soft balls and only the pass-across pattern.
Standard
A 64-count routine with three passing patterns and moves in between.
Harder
Add a second ball per person in the around pattern so there are always four balls in the air.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair takes one corner of the square, tossing and catching at chest height; their moves use torso and arms.
- Visual impairment: use sound balls and call the student's name before each pass.
- Skill level: less experienced groups shorten the distance to 6 feet and toss every 8 counts.
Learning goals
- Toss and catch accurately on the musical beat.
- Combine group passing patterns with body movements.
- Compose a group routine with objects.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tennis balls: 25
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
If lots of balls drop, the toss height is usually the problem; ask for soft arcs. Choose music with a very clear beat of about 100 to 110 beats per minute.
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