Self-Toss Catch Challenges
Each student tosses a ball to themselves and catches it while climbing a ladder of harder and harder challenges posted on cards around the space. The activity builds catching, hand-eye coordination, and independence in choosing and meeting challenges.
How to play
- Place six numbered challenge cards around the space: 1 toss and catch, 2 one clap, 3 two claps, 4 touch knees, 5 spin around, and 6 catch sitting down (2 min).
- Each student takes a soft ball and starts near card 1, finding open space (1 min).
- To pass a card, students must make 5 catches in a row while doing the challenge; then they move to the next card.
- If the ball drops, the count starts over at that card, but students never move down a level; play for 7 minutes.
- Every 2 minutes, the teacher pauses and asks who moved up a card so the class can cheer together.
- Wrap-up (3 min): each student invents their own challenge and shows it to a classmate, who tries it.
Rules
- Toss the ball straight up, no higher than a basketball hoop.
- Everyone works in their own space, at least 6 feet from others.
- If the ball gets away, walk to get it.
- This isn't a race: everyone moves up at their own pace.
Variations
Easier
One bounce on the floor is allowed before the catch.
Standard
Toss and catch with no bounce, working through all six cards.
Harder
Catch with one hand, or toss with one hand and catch with the other.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student does the challenges seated, replacing "spin around" with a trunk twist.
- Autism: the student holds a picture card and has a fixed spot marked with a hoop.
- Lower skill level: use a scarf or a balloon for the first challenges.
Learning goals
- Catch a self-tossed ball while adding tasks in between.
- Control the height and direction of the toss.
- Move independently through a series of challenges.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 25
- challenge cards: 6
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is tossing forward and chasing the ball; teach students to "toss to the ceiling." Cards with large pictures keep students from having to ask you what the challenge is.
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