Catch or Dodge: Datchball Partner Warm-Up

A partner warm-up that sets up datchball: throw softly and decide instantly whether to catch or dodge. It wakes up the legs and the throwing shoulder.

How to play

1. Partners 4 meters apart with a foam ball: mixed passes (high, at the hip, to the side) caught with two hands (2 min).
2. The thrower sends a soft throw below shoulder height; the receiver decides without warning whether to catch it or side-step it (3 min).
3. Switch roles and move back to 6 meters (2 min).
4. In threes: two throwers take turns and the one in the middle catches or dodges for 30 seconds, then rotate (2 min).
5. Throwing-shoulder mobility: arm circles and a gentle cross-body stretch (1 min).

Rules

• Throws stay below the shoulders and at warm-up speed.
• Wait until your partner is facing you and ready.
• Dodge with side steps or by bending your knees, never by diving.
• Leave space between pairs so balls don't cross.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: use a ball with a bell rolled along the floor; the choice is to stop it or step aside.
• Students with limited mobility: always throw, or catch seated with chest-height throws.
• Students afraid of being hit: start only catching at 3 meters and choose when to add dodging.

Learning goals

• Warm up the legs and shoulder before throwing games.
• Make the catch-or-dodge decision quickly.
• Throw with control and respect for your partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 15

Teacher tip

Use truly soft foam balls: a hard ball kills confidence in catching. The common mistake is catching with stiff arms; ask for hands out front and giving with the ball into the chest.

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