Crazy Bounce Football Pickup
In pairs, one partner rolls or bounces the football so it moves unpredictably, and the other reacts, scoops it off the ground on the run, and passes it back. Students improve their reaction to the odd bounce and learn to pick up the ball safely.
How to play
- Make pairs with one ball, facing each other 6 m (about 20 ft) apart between two cones. Explain that a football never bounces the same way twice, so you have to be ready (1 min).
- Roll: A rolls the ball along the ground to one side of B; B shuffles over, bends the knees with one foot next to the ball, and scoops it with both hands. 10 reps, then switch (3 min).
- Bounce: A throws the ball into the ground in front of B so it bounces; B tries to catch it after the first or second bounce. 10 reps, then switch (3 min).
- On the run: B jogs toward A, who drops the ball off to one side; B scoops it without stopping and keeps running to a cone 5 m behind A (3 min).
- Challenge: a catch after the first bounce is worth 2 points and after the second bounce, 1. Each pair scores as many points as possible in 2 minutes.
Rules
- Always throw the ball into the ground in front of your partner, never at their body.
- Pick it up with both hands and bent knees; no diving.
- Safety: all pairs work in the same direction with 3 m between pairs.
Variations
Easier
Do only the rolling part, with the ball moving slowly.
Standard
Roll, bounce, and scoop on the run, as described.
Harder
The receiver starts facing away and turns on the call 'Go!'
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair picks up slow rolling balls along the side of the chair or uses a reacher.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside and always throw from the same side.
- Fitness level: a student who needs to take it easier can do more rolling and throwing and less running.
Learning goals
- React to the unpredictable bounce of a football.
- Pick the ball up off the ground safely without losing balance.
- Link the pickup with running or passing.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam footballs: 13
- cones: 14
Teacher tip
Kids tend to bend only at the waist, so cue them to drop the hips and step one foot next to the ball. This makes a great lead-up to any flag rugby or flag football game.
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