Toss it away, call it

What you need

Players

2 to 16 players

Time

6 to 10 min

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Balls

Ball fed by

The players

Space

Half a court

Setup

1. Pairs facing each other about 4.5 m (15 ft) apart, one ball per pair.
2. Spread the pairs across the gym so nobody chases into another pair.
3. The tosser throws underhand with two hands, high, about two steps to the left or right of the passer.

How it runs

Partners stand about 4.5 m (15 ft) apart. The tosser sends a high ball a couple of steps to one side of the passer, never straight at them. The passer moves to it, shouts "Mine!" and passes it back for the tosser to catch. Swap jobs after ten, and every couple of minutes both partners take a step back.

Time and reps: 10 tosses each way, swap jobs, then both take a step back; 3 or 4 rounds.

Coaching points

• Watch the ball leave the tosser's hands and go right away.
• Shuffle or run so you beat the ball to the spot, then stop and pass.
• Say "Mine!" out loud on every ball, before it reaches you.
• Face your partner when you pass, even after a long move.

Ways to change it

• Mix in short tosses so the passer has to come forward.
• The tosser points to a side first, then tosses the other way.
• Count good passes in a row as a pair and try to beat your record.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Toss only one step to the side. The passer catches it on the spot, then tosses it up and passes it back.
• Stand closer, about 3 m (10 ft) apart.

Make it harder

• Toss lower and farther away so the passer has less time.
• The tosser sets the pass back to the side instead of catching it, and the pair keeps it going.