Tough Catches: High, Low and Wide Balls

In pairs, one partner deliberately sends tough passes and the other must control them without a drop and return a good pass. It improves catching in real situations, where passes are rarely perfect.

How to play

1. Pairs 5 m apart, one cone each; review funnel hands and bent elbows (2 min).
2. High passes: the receiver reaches up, cushions and brings the ball to the chest (3 min).
3. Low and knee-high passes: bend the legs, not just the back (3 min).
4. Wide passes: the receiver steps sideways before catching (3 min).
5. Free mix and challenge: 15 catches in a row without a drop (4 min).

Rules

• Tough passes, but never at the face or too hard.
• Keep pairs 3 m apart from others.
• The receiver always returns an easy pass.
• Switch roles every 10 passes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visually impaired students: the pass is rolled or bounced with a voice cue.
• Finger injury: catches a soft ball and low passes only.
• Nervous students: 3 m distance and always-called passes.

Learning goals

• Catch balls at different heights.
• Cushion the ball with the hands.
• Set the body before catching.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handballs: 14
• cones: 14

Teacher tip

Frame it as generous: a bad pass on purpose is a gift so your partner improves. Watch the hands: fingers pointing at the ball cause jammed fingers.

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