Bounce and Listen

How to run it

A playful warm-up where everyone has their own ball. The children get hundreds of bounces, learn to control the ball with their fingertips and to look up while dribbling.

Set-up

A square of about 12 × 12 m marked with four discs. Everyone has a ball (size 0 or 1) and spreads out inside the square. The coach stands at the side and calls the commands.

Instructions

1. 1Everyone spreads out in the square with a ball. The coach explains the commands: walk, run, stop, switch hands and turn.
2. 2WALK! Walk around bouncing with one hand. Push the ball down with your fingers – don't slap it with the palm.
3. 3RUN! Jog and bounce the ball in front of you. Look up so you can see where everyone else is.
4. 4STOP! Catch the ball with both hands and stand still. Who is first?
5. 5Switch hands and walk slowly. Bounce with the hand you don't usually use.
6. 6RUN FAST! Full speed, but keep the ball. Find the empty spaces in the square.
7. 7TURN! Change direction and bounce the other way without losing the ball.
8. 8STOP! Catch the ball and hold it still above your head.
9. 9Keep bouncing – now low, close to the floor, switching hands every other bounce. The coach makes up new commands.

Coaching points

• Push the ball down with the fingertips and let the hand ride back up with it.
• Say "look up" often – players who see the others don't bump into them.
• Praise the player who stops quickly and in control, not just the fastest runner.
• Everyone bounces with both hands, including the weaker one.
• Keep explanations short – the children should be moving almost all the time.

Variations

Equipment

• 4 × Markers