Head It, Catch It

Listen to your partner and think fast!

• Set Up

  • Create a circle with one ball or partners with one ball

• Equipment

  • 1 ball per pair or 1 ball per a circle of 6-10 kids

• Objective

  The goal of the game is to be the last player standing by correctly responding to the leader’s commands.

• Directions

  1. Explain what it means/looks like to “Head” and “Catch” the ball.

  2. Have all players stand in a circle (If the group is larger than 10, form two circles). To begin, the leader should lightly pass the ball to each student with instructions as they throw the ball to them.

  3. They must complete the opposite. i.e. If the coach says "Head it", they should catch it, and "Catch it", they should head it.

  4. After going through the players in order, start passing to players randomly.

  5. If the leader feels further competition can be handled, players that do not perform the correct action should sit down until there is only one student remaining.

• Variations

  • ● Play with a volleyball and play bump it, catch it or think of any two commands to use that can be put in place of head it or catch it. 

    ● Play with a basketball and use bounce pass or chest pass commands in place of head it or catch it

• Coaching Points

  • Make sure you start off with the correct instructions before you do the opposite.

  • Have a ball where they can head it, if you don't you can call out which hand they need to catch the ball with (right or left)

Reflection: Self-Awareness & Social Awareness

1. Is it difficult to think on your feet? When do you have to think on your feet during your regular day?

2. What strategies did you use to be successful in this game?

3. Who on your team can you shout out?