Step Cycle Through Hoops: One, Two, Three, Throw

A technical warm-up where students move through a row of three hoops to the rhythm of the handball three-step cycle. It warms up the body and automates the step cycle before shooting.

How to play

1. Set up 6 rows of 3 hoops in a line, each ending at a wall or a partner 6 m away (1 min).
2. No ball: jog through the hoops left-right-left (for right-handers), cocking the arm at the end (2 min).
3. With a ball: catch a pass in the first hoop, take three steps and pass to your partner (3 min).
4. Switch hand and takeoff leg: right-handers now start with the right foot (2 min).
5. Remove one hoop and keep two: aim for a faster cycle (2 min).

Rules

• Three steps max while holding the ball.
• Step inside the hoop, not on its edge, to avoid slipping.
• Wait until the person ahead has thrown before you go.
• Pass to your partner, don't fire it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visually impaired students: a partner claps the step rhythm and hoops are replaced by raised tape strips.
• Mild ankle injury: does the arm action standing still and feeds the ball into the first hoop.
• Students with coordination difficulties: start with two hoops and count out loud.

Learning goals

• Internalize the three-step rhythm.
• Coordinate the last step with cocking the arm.
• Warm up ankles, knees and shoulders.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 18
• handballs: 6
• cones: 6

Teacher tip

The common mistake is taking the first step before catching; the ball should arrive before the foot lands in the first hoop. No hoops? Draw circles with chalk.

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