The Feeder: Juggling Passes in a Fan

In groups of four, one student is the feeder and sends passes in a fan to three receivers on the same beat. It is the basic structure jugglers use for group passing.

How to play

1. In pairs 2 m apart, one ball each: pass at the same time on the right side, on the count of "one, two, pass" (6 min).
2. Trios: the feeder faces two receivers and passes to each in turn while they pass back at the same time (8 min).
3. Groups of four: the feeder passes in a fan to three receivers, left to right and back (8 min).
4. Students who can cascade feed while juggling, passing only the right-hand throws (7 min).
5. Rotate so everyone in the group takes a turn as feeder (6 min).

Rules

• Passes are soft arcs that arrive at the receiver's shoulder height.
• Always pass on the count, never by surprise.
• All groups face the same direction.
• If a ball gets away, the whole group stops and restarts together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: receive in the middle of the fan and get called by name on each pass.
• Limited mobility: be the feeder while seated, with receivers 1.5 m away.
• Hesitant students: receive passes with scarves or soft balls until they feel confident.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the rhythm of several people.
• Throw accurately to different targets.
• Make rhythm and direction decisions as a group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• juggling balls: 90

Teacher tip

The count out loud is everything: without it the fan falls apart in seconds. Common mistake: passing too hard and flat; the pass should be a soft arc.

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