Catch and throw with a grown-up

What you need

Players

A child and a grown-up

Time

3 to 6 min

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Ball, Partner (parent)

Ball fed by

A grown-up

Space

A clear room

Ages

6 to 10

Setup

1. Stand about 3 m (10 ft) apart, facing each other, in a clear space.
2. One ball (a light youth ball is kinder to small hands).
3. The grown-up tosses underhand, high and soft, to the child's forehead.

How it runs

The first partner drill for young players and any grown-up. The parent tosses an easy underhand ball; the child catches it in the setting window above the forehead, holds it for a moment, then pushes it straight back with both hands like a set. As the catch gets quicker, it turns into a real set.

Time and reps: 2 rounds of 10 throws, swap who tosses if the child wants.

Coaching points

• Make a window with your hands before the ball comes.
• Catch it right on your forehead, knees bent.
• Push it back up and out, arms and legs together.
• Finish with arms straight, pointing at your partner.

Ways to change it

• Easier: stand closer, or catch only, then roll it back.
• Harder: shorten the hold until it is a quick set.
• Goal: 10 in a row that land in the grown-up's hands.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Stand closer and toss the ball right to the forehead.

Make it harder

• Toss a little off to the side so the child has to move first.

Terms on this page

Setting window

The triangle your thumbs and pointer fingers make above your forehead. You set the ball by pushing it up from there.

Quick set

A very low set the hitter meets fast, meant to beat the block. It can go anywhere along the net.

Safety at home