Set or Bump: Read the Ball

A partner drill where the tosser varies the height of the ball and the receiver picks the skill: a set if it arrives above the shoulders, a forearm pass if it arrives below the chest. It builds the ability to read the ball and make a technical decision.

How to play

1. Make 12 pairs and one group of three, 4 m apart between two cones. Review both skills: hands in a triangle above the forehead for high balls, forearms together and straight for low balls (2 min).
2. Phase 1 (3 min): the tosser calls 'high' or 'low' and tosses underhand with two hands; the receiver returns it with the matching skill so the tosser can catch it.
3. Phase 2 (3 min): no more calls, and heights are mixed. Each correct, catchable contact is one point. Switch roles every 10 tosses.
4. Phase 3 (4 min): the tosser also sends the ball one step left or right, and the receiver moves before playing it.
5. Phase 4 (3 min): continuous contacts with no catching; on each contact the pair chooses set or bump and counts how many they link together.

Rules

• Toss underhand and soft, never at your partner's face.
• If the ball rolls toward another pair, wait until they stop to get it.
• A point counts only if the partner catches it without moving more than one step.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: receives without moving, seated or standing, and tosses always come within reach.
• Autism: show pictures of the two skills and keep the verbal calls of phase 1 for longer.
• Advanced students: back up to 6 m and the partner sends with a set instead of a toss.

Learning goals

• Tell when to use a set and when to use a forearm pass.
• Adjust body position to the flight of the ball.
• Keep a continuous rally going with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• light balls: 13
• cones: 26

Teacher tip

Many students try to set low balls by bending at the waist, so cue them to bend their knees. Walk between pairs and ask, 'Why did you choose that skill?'

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