Partner Toss Ladder
In pairs, students toss a soft ball back and forth, and every time they make three catches in a row they take a step back, climbing a ladder of cones. The activity builds two-handed catching, accurate tossing to a partner, and setting personal goals.
How to play
- Set up rows of five cones about 2 feet apart; each pair faces each other at the first rung, 5 feet apart (2 min).
- Teach the catch: hands out front shaped like a basket, fingers spread, and pull the ball into the chest (1 min).
- Partners toss underhand; after three catches in a row with no drop, both step back to the next cone.
- If the ball drops, they move down one rung; play for 5 minutes and each pair remembers its highest rung.
- Second round (4 min): same game, but the catcher claps once before catching.
- Final round (3 min): switch partners, and each new pair tries to beat both partners' previous records.
Rules
- Toss to your partner's chest height, never hard.
- If the ball gets away, walk to get it without cutting through other pairs.
- Count your catches out loud together.
Variations
Easier
One bounce is allowed before the catch.
Standard
Move up a rung after three catches in a row with no bounce.
Harder
Catch with one hand only, alternating right and left.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student stays seated, the partner adjusts the distance, and a bigger ball is used.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored ball or one with bells, and the partner says "Ready!" before each toss.
- Lower skill level: start with a balloon or a scarf before moving to the ball.
Learning goals
- Catch a ball with two hands shaped like a basket.
- Adjust the toss so a partner can catch it.
- Set a distance goal and try to beat it.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 13
- cones: 65
Teacher tip
Many students close their eyes or turn their face away when catching; start with very soft balls to take away the fear. Have all pairs toss in the same direction to avoid crossing balls.
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