The Window: Catch-and-Push Setting
A partner progression for learning the overhead set: students catch the ball above the forehead with their hands shaped like a window and send it back by pushing with legs and arms together. It builds hand shape, knee bend, and coordinated extension.
How to play
- Partners stand 10 feet apart with a light ball, on either side of a rope 6.5 feet high; teach the window: thumbs and index fingers form a triangle in front of the forehead (2 min).
- Phase 1 (3 min): A tosses the ball high with two hands; B catches it in the window with knees bent and holds it for 2 seconds, looking through the triangle.
- Phase 2 (3 min): B catches in the window and, without lowering the ball, sends it back by pushing with legs and arms at once over the rope.
- Phase 3 (3 min): shorten the hold: catch and push almost in one motion, like a spring; switch roles every 10 sends.
- Final challenge (3 min): partners count how many sends in a row they can make over the rope without dropping the ball or lowering it below the forehead.
- Share-out (1 min): each pair announces their record.
Rules
- Always catch the ball above the forehead, never at chest height.
- Fingers stay spread and relaxed: no slapping with palms or stiff fingers.
- Each pair keeps to its own space; get a stray ball only after that pair finishes their send.
- Every pair that beats its own record wins; there's no competing against other pairs.
Variations
Easier
The partner tosses from 6 feet with no rope, and students may hold the ball as long as they need.
Standard
Toss from 10 feet over a rope 6.5 feet high, with a shorter and shorter hold.
Harder
Set without catching, adding a self-set above the forehead before sending it over.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: does the drill seated, with the partner 6 feet away, focusing on the window and the arm push.
- Visual impairment: uses a brightly colored ball or one with a bell, and the partner calls "Ball!" when tossing.
- Highly skilled students: must take an adjustment step before each catch to get right under the ball.
Learning goals
- Shape the hands into a window above the forehead.
- Coordinate leg and arm extension when pushing the ball.
- Value personal progress by beating the pair's own record.
Equipment for a class of 25
- light balls: 13
- long ropes: 3
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is receiving with straight arms; cue "elbows out, ball to the forehead." Light balls keep it from stinging at first.
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