Bump It into the Bucket

In groups of three, one student tosses, one bumps with a forearm pass and the third tries to catch the ball in a bucket. It works on aiming the forearm pass at a target and on cooperating to adjust distance and height.

How to play

1. Make 8 groups of three and one of four. Use cones to mark a triangle: tosser 3 m from the passer, bucket holder 2 m from the passer, off to the side (2 min).
2. Demonstrate the ready position (2 min): knees bent, arms straight with hands together, contact on the forearms; the power comes from the legs.
3. The tosser sends a high, soft two-hand underhand toss; the passer bumps it toward the bucket, and the holder may take one step to catch it (3 min).
4. Rotate roles every 10 tosses. Ball in the bucket without moving scores 3; with one step, 1. Add up three full rotations (6 min).
5. Final challenge (2 min): the bucket moves to 3 m and above the waist; each group tries to beat its own score.

Rules

• Always toss underhand and soft, never at the face.
• The holder grips the bucket with both hands and never dives to the floor.
• Groups stay 4 m apart, and stray balls are collected once the next group has finished its toss.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair or limited mobility: receive seated with tosses aimed at the forearms, or hold the bucket on the lap.
• Shy students: group them with two trusted classmates in a quiet corner of the gym.
• Less control: use a balloon or large foam ball; skilled students bump once to themselves, then to the bucket.

Learning goals

• Use the basic forearm pass ready position.
• Aim the ball by angling the arms and using the legs.
• Cooperate in the group by adjusting tosses and positions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• light balls: 9
• buckets: 9
• cones: 27

Teacher tip

Students tend to swing their arms and the ball flies off, so cue 'flat platform, lift with the legs.' Use light plastic buckets, never metal ones.

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