Fielder's Ready Stance: React and Break Four Ways

A partner warm-up working on the fielder's ready position and the quick first step toward the ball. Legs and shoulders get going while students learn to get in front of the ball.

How to play

1. Partners 5 m apart, one ball per pair. Free jogging and side shuffles; on the clap, everyone drops into the ready stance: wide feet, knees bent, hands out front (2 min).
2. One partner points left, right, forward or back; the other breaks with a crossover step for three meters and returns to the stance. Switch roles halfway (2 min).
3. The partner rolls the ball to one side; the fielder moves, stops it with both hands in front of the body and rolls it back. Switch roles halfway (3 min).
4. Soft pop-ups: catch above the head with both hands, thumbs together. Switch roles halfway (2 min).
5. Arm and shoulder circles forward and backward (1 min).

Rules

• Soft rollers off to the side, never fired at feet.
• Pop-ups go high and slow, never at the face.
• Each pair keeps its own space, at least 4 m from the next pair.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: a large brightly colored ball and rollers that make noise on the floor.
• Wheelchair users: the partner rolls the ball within arm's reach and they work on side stops from the chair.
• Students afraid of the ball: swap the tennis ball for a foam ball.

Learning goals

• Use the fielder's ready stance.
• Move quickly to get in front of the ball.
• Warm up shoulders and legs before throwing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis balls: 15

Teacher tip

Check that they drop their hips instead of just bending at the waist. Face every pair the same way so stray balls don't roll through other pairs.

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