Turn and Catch on the Call
In pairs, the receiver stands with their back to the passer and only turns when they hear the call, with the ball already in the air. It warms students up while building reaction time, body orientation, and safe catching.
How to play
- Form pairs with one ball and line them up on two rows of cones 4 yards apart, with at least 3 yards between pairs.
- For 1 minute, partners make regular chest passes face to face to dial in passing strength.
- The receiver turns around and faces away; the passer says "Now!" right as they release a soft chest-high pass, and the receiver turns and catches.
- Each student makes 8 catches, then partners switch roles; the passer can vary the timing of the call so it can't be predicted.
- Second part (3 minutes): the call names the turning side, "Right!" or "Left!", and the receiver must turn that way.
- Last part (2 minutes): the receiver waits jogging in place and the pair counts how many clean catches they make out of ten.
Rules
- Passes are always soft, below head height, and never thrown after the call.
- Catch with two hands and spread fingers, never with stiff, locked arms.
- If the ball drops, retrieve it without entering other pairs' space.
- All pairs pass in the same direction along the line to avoid crossing balls.
Variations
Easier
Use a foam ball and give the call one second before releasing the pass.
Standard
Call right at the release with partners 4 yards apart.
Harder
Call when the ball is halfway there, or make it a bounce pass.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: turn only the head and trunk, seated or in a wheelchair, with a chest-high pass.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: replace the verbal call with a light tap on the shoulder from a third partner.
- Lower skill level: shorten the distance to 2-3 yards and use a soft ball.
Learning goals
- React quickly to an unexpected sound signal.
- Turn the body and hands toward the ball as fast as possible.
- Adjust passing strength so a partner can be successful.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balls: 13
- cones: 26
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is passing too hard to "catch" a partner off guard: stress that the challenge belongs to the receiver, not the passer. Have every line face the same wall so no one gets hit from behind.
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