Set Into the Basket: Drop It in the Hoop

In groups of three, one student sets the ball so it drops into a hoop held by a partner. It builds setting accuracy and height.

How to play

1. Groups of three and a quick technique check: hands in a triangle above the forehead, thumbs toward the eyes, push with legs and arms together (3 min).
2. A tosses to setter B; B sets to C, who stands 3 m away holding a hoop flat at chest height. The ball must drop through the hoop. Rotate every six sets (5 min).
3. C steps left or right before each toss, and B has to square up to the hoop before setting (5 min).
4. No tosser: B self-passes once and then sets to the hoop; A helps by collecting balls (4 min).
5. Group record: how many balls land in the hoop out of ten tries each (3 min).

Rules

• The hoop holder keeps it away from their face with arms extended.
• Contact with the finger pads, not the palms.
• Groups line up in parallel, all setting the same direction, so balls don't cross.
• If a ball rolls into another group, wait until they stop to get it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Fear of the ball: use a soft ball and have the tosser throw two-handed from close range.
• Limited mobility: sets from a seated position, and the tosser adjusts the height.
• Students with visual impairments: the hoop holder claps to guide the set.

Learning goals

• Improve setting accuracy.
• Square the body to the target before contact.
• Work together in the group, rotating through all three roles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hula hoops: 10
• volleyballs: 10

Teacher tip

The most common error is setting with the arms only so the ball never gets height: cue "the set starts in your legs." If you're short on hoops, cardboard boxes work.

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