Toss and catch in your window

What you need

Players

1 player

Time

3 to 5 min

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Ball

Ball fed by

Not needed

Space

A clear room

Ages

6 to 10

Setup

1. A clear spot indoors or out, away from anything breakable.
2. One ball (a lighter youth ball is easier on small hands).
3. Toss it up about a ball or two above the head, then catch it in the window.

How it runs

The very first setting step. The child tosses the ball a little above the head and catches it in the setting window: hands up above the forehead, fingers spread, thumbs and pointer fingers making a triangle. Knees bend as the ball arrives. Once the catch is quiet and on the forehead every time, the child is ready to push it back up as a set.

Time and reps: 2 rounds of 10 catches, a short break between.

Coaching points

• Make a window with your hands, right above your forehead.
• Look at the ball through the window.
• Catch it with your fingers.
• Bend your knees as you catch, like a soft landing.

Ways to change it

• Easier: a grown-up drops the ball into the window from above.
• Harder: catch, then push it straight back up and catch again.
• Goal: 10 catches in a row that stop right on the forehead.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Toss lower and catch with the feet still.

Make it harder

• Toss higher and a little to one side.

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.

Safety at home