Pass to yourself

What you need

Players

1 player

Time

3 to 6 min

Level

Beginner and intermediate

Equipment

Ball

Ball fed by

Not needed

Space

A yard or driveway

Ages

8+

Setup

1. A flat, open spot outside: a lawn, a driveway away from cars or a tall garage.
2. Feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, one ball.
3. Toss the ball up a little, then pass it straight up again and again.

How it runs

The player tosses the ball up and forearm passes it straight up, again and again, keeping the ball about head high and the feet under it. After a few passes the player catches it, resets and goes again. Count the passes in a row and try to beat the record.

Time and reps: 3 rounds of 1 minute, count the passes in a row, 30 s rest.

Coaching points

• Arms like a table: straight, thumbs together, flat on top.
• Lift with your legs and keep the arms still.
• Freeze your platform after each pass.
• Pass it just above your head so you have time to get under it.

Ways to change it

• Easier: pass once, catch, reset (age 8 to 10: 5 in a row is a win).
• Harder: alternate a low pass and a high pass.
• Harder: take one shuffle step between passes, then two.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Let the ball bounce between passes and aim for three in a row.

Make it harder

• Go for ten in a row, or take a step between each pass.

Terms on this page

Platform

The flat surface your forearms make when you pass: arms straight, thumbs side by side, angled at the target.

Safety at home