Self-Set Challenges: Clap, Spin, Touch the Floor
Each student self-sets high with the fingertips and, while the ball is in the air, completes a challenge (clap, spin, touch the floor) before touching it again. It improves set height and accuracy, spatial awareness, and reading where the ball will come down.
How to play
- Give each student a light ball and place 6 numbered challenge cards around the edge of the area (clap, double clap, touch the floor, half turn, sit and stand, touch knees) (2 min).
- Skill warm-up (2 min): self-sets about 3 feet above the head, counting to 10 without dropping it.
- Each student goes to a card, reads the challenge, and practices it for 2 min: high self-set, do the challenge while the ball goes up and down, then set again.
- On the whistle, everyone rotates clockwise to the next card (4 cards in 8 min).
- Each challenge is scored: 1 point if done with one bounce on the floor before the next touch, 2 points with no bounce; students keep their own count.
- Finish (2 min): each student picks a favorite challenge and teaches it to a partner, who tries to copy it.
Rules
- The self-set must go at least an arm's length above the head so there's time for the challenge.
- Spins and sit-downs happen only in your own space, always watching the ball.
- If the ball gets away, retrieve it without cutting through the space of someone who is setting.
- Each student competes against their own score; points aren't compared out loud.
Variations
Easier
Allow catching the ball after the challenge and restarting with a toss.
Standard
High self-set, challenge in the air, and another set, with or without a bounce.
Harder
Link two different challenges between two self-sets and alternate sets with forearm passes.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: self-sets seated, and challenges use the trunk and arms (claps, touching shoulders).
- Visual impairment: uses a large, brightly colored ball and starts with low self-sets with a bounce.
- Highly skilled students: complete the challenge and also step to a marked poly spot before touching.
Learning goals
- Self-set high and straight up with the fingertips.
- Judge the ball's hang time to complete a task and touch it again.
- Set and beat a personal scoring goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- light balls: 25
- challenge cards: 6
Teacher tip
Many students push the ball forward and chase it; put a hoop on the floor so they stay inside it. Laminated cards hold up well outdoors.
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