Disc 21 Catch Challenge

In pairs, students throw a soft disc back and forth and score points based on the type of catch: two-handed pancake, one-handed, or a trick catch, racing to reach exactly 21. It improves catching, hand-eye coordination, and an accurate backhand.

How to play

1. Make pairs with one disc, 6 m (20 ft) apart between two cones, all facing the same direction (1 min).
2. Explain the scoring: a two-handed pancake catch is 1 point; a one-handed catch is 2; a trick catch under the leg or behind the back is 3. A throw the partner can't reach with one step costs the thrower 1 point (1 min).
3. Partners take turns throwing backhand, and each player counts their own catches out loud. You have to hit 21 exactly; if you go over, you drop back to 15.
4. Each game lasts about 4 minutes; then one player from each pair moves one pair to the right to get a new partner.
5. Play the second game with cones at 8 m and the third with forehand throws, keeping the same scoring (8 min).

Rules

• Say your score out loud after every catch.
• You may take only one step to make a catch; if it takes more, the throw loses a point.
• A trick catch only counts if you call it before the disc arrives.
• Safety: throw to your partner's chest and don't throw until they're looking.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair catches discs thrown at chest height, and any catch is worth 2 points.
• Autism: post the scoring chart on a card next to each pair and keep the same partner for the first two games.
• Skill level: a beginner may trap the disc against the chest with both hands and score it as a pancake.

Learning goals

• Catch a disc safely in different ways.
• Throw a backhand accurately to a partner.
• Keep score and choose the right amount of risk to reach 21.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft flying discs: 13
• cones: 26

Teacher tip

The pancake catch, one hand on top and one below, is the safest, so teach it first. Watch that trick catches don't throw kids off balance.

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