Bounce and Catch Chant

Each child bounces a big ball with two hands and catches it to the rhythm of a made-up chant. It practices bouncing and catching, the first move of mini basketball, in a calm and rhythmic way.

How to play

1. Each child stands in their spot with a ball. The teacher teaches the chant: "Bounce, bounce, my big ball, up and down, don't let it fall" (1 min).
2. We drop the ball with two hands and catch it after the bounce, once for each line (1 min).
3. We chant slower and faster: the ball bounces to the rhythm of our voices (1 min).
4. We walk around the space, stop at the end of the chant and do one bounce and catch (2 min).
5. We hug the ball like a teddy bear and let it sleep on the floor (1 min).

Rules

• My ball is just mine and stays close to me.
• If it rolls away, I walk to get it.
• We bounce when the chant tells us to.

Variations

Adaptations

• Less skill: use a bigger, slightly deflated ball that bounces lower and slower.
• Limited mobility: from the wheelchair, bounce to one side and catch with help from a partner who returns the ball.
• Autism: mark their spot with a hoop on the floor so they know where to bounce.

Learning goals

• Bounce and catch a big ball with two hands.
• Match movement to the rhythm of a chant.
• Get ready for mini basketball games.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large rubber balls: 25

Teacher tip

Use soft rubber balls about 8 inches across, nothing hard. The typical mistake is slamming the ball down, so ask them to 'let it go' and wait for it with open hands.

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