Family keep it up

What you need

Players

2 to 6 players

Time

5 to 15 min

Level

Beginner and intermediate

Equipment

Ball, Partner (parent)

Ball fed by

The players

Space

A yard or driveway

Ages

7+

Setup

1. Stand in a circle about 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft) across, outside on flat ground.
2. One ball. Anyone starts with an easy toss.
3. Count every touch out loud; a drop starts the count again.

How it runs

Everyone in a small circle keeps one ball off the ground with passes and sets, as many touches in a row as possible. Call "Mine!" before you play it, send easy balls to each other, and chase the family record. Any number of players from two up.

Time and reps: Play to a family record; rest whenever you like.

Coaching points

• Call "Mine!" so two people never go for the same ball.
• Send a high, easy ball to each other.
• Pass low balls, set high ones.
• Celebrate the record, then try to beat it.

Ways to change it

• Easier: catches allowed for the youngest player.
• Harder: each player can touch the ball only once in a row.
• Game: everyone must touch it before the count passes 10.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Let the ball bounce once between touches, or catch and throw it back at first.

Make it harder

• No bounces and no catches, and every player calls "Mine!" out loud before each touch.

Safety at home