Wall Pass Fun

Learning Outcomes

Refine catching and throwing techniques.
Develop ball sense.
Improve accuracy and speed.

Description Of Activity

Warm-Up (5 minutes):
Dynamic Stretching: Begin with a series of stretches to prepare for the activity. Focus on the arms, shoulders, and legs with movements like arm circles, shoulder shrugs, and gentle leg stretches.
Ball Handling: Have students perform light dribbling and passing with the handballs to get comfortable with the equipment.

Main Activity (20-25 minutes):
Step 1: Facing the Wall (2 minutes)
Instruction: Have students stand about 6-8 feet away from the wall, facing it directly.
Formation: Ensure each student has enough space to throw and catch the ball safely.

Step 2: Basic Throws (5 minutes)
Underarm Throws:
Instruction: Demonstrate the underarm throw technique: hold the ball with both hands, bend the elbows, and use a smooth, controlled motion to throw the ball against the wall.
Practice: Students throw the ball against the wall and catch it, focusing on accuracy and control.
Overarm Throws (Progression):
Instruction: Once comfortable with underarm throws, demonstrate the overarm throw: hold the ball with one hand, bring it back behind the shoulder, and release it with a strong follow-through.
Practice: Students practice overarm throws against the wall and catch the ball.

Step 3: Bounce Pass (5 minutes)
Instruction: Introduce the bounce pass technique. Students should throw the ball against the wall so that it bounces once before they catch it.
Practice: Focus on the correct angle and force needed to make the ball bounce appropriately. Students practice bounce passes, adjusting their technique as needed.

Step 4: Increase Distance (5-7 minutes)
Instruction: Gradually increase the distance between students and the wall. Start with 6-8 feet and move to 10-12 feet as students become more skilled.
Practice: Students adjust their throwing force and catching technique to accommodate the increased distance.

Step 5: One-Handed Catch (5 minutes)
Instruction: Challenge students to catch the ball with one hand. Demonstrate proper technique, including positioning the catching hand and using the other hand for balance.
Practice: Students throw the ball against the wall and catch it with one hand, alternating hands to develop ambidexterity.

Cool Down (5 minutes):
Gentle Stretching: Guide students through a series of stretches to cool down. Focus on the arms, shoulders, and legs.
Reflection: Gather students and discuss what they learned from the activity. Encourage them to share their thoughts on how their ball control improved.

Variations

Speed Challenge (5 minutes):
Instruction: Encourage students to increase the speed of their throws and catches. Set a timer and have them try to complete a set number of throws and catches within the time limit.
Challenge: Create a competitive atmosphere by comparing times or speeds.

Accuracy Challenge (5 minutes):
Instruction: Mark specific spots on the wall (e.g., using tape or cones). Students aim to hit these spots with their throws.
Challenge: Award points for hitting the marked spots to encourage precision.

Different Heights (5 minutes):
Instruction: Have students throw the ball at varying heights, such as low, mid, and high on the wall. This helps develop their ability to control throws and catches at different levels.
Practice: Students practice throws and catches at different heights, focusing on adjusting their technique accordingly.

Coaching Tips

Use Full Body: Encourage students to use their entire body to generate power for their throws. Emphasize the role of legs, torso, and arms in creating effective throws.
Follow Through: Stress the importance of following through with the throwing motion to improve accuracy and speed.
Provide Feedback: Offer specific feedback on students' form and technique. Demonstrate proper techniques and correct errors gently.
Competitive Spirit: Foster a competitive atmosphere by introducing challenges and tracking improvements. Celebrate achievements and progress.
Safety Considerations:
Ensure the wall area is clear of any obstacles and that students have enough space to throw and catch the ball safely.
Monitor students closely to prevent accidents, especially during speed and accuracy challenges.
Adjust the activity based on students' skill levels and comfort to ensure a positive experience for all.

Equipment/Material Required

Handballs (one per student or pair)
A wall with sufficient height and width for bouncing the ball