Objective
- To give entry level players practice at catching balls thrown above and below the waist.
Equipment
- Balls (6-10 preferably Incrediballs).
- Gloves
Description
- Have players pair up and kneel down on both knees approximately 6-10 feet apart (1 ball per group).
- Once players are positioned, each one takes turns throwing the ball back and forth to each other.
Key Points:
- If the ball is thrown above the waist, players should receive the ball with their thumbs together and fingers pointed upward (see figure 1).
- If the ball is thrown below the waist, players should receive the ball with their little fingers touching (pinky) and the rest of their fingers pointed downward (see figure 2).
Tips
- Since the object of this particular drill is to develop hand-eye coordination and "soft hands," players do not need to throw the ball hard.
- It is a good idea to start players off without their gloves. This will help in trying to get them to absorb the force of the ball as they make the catch.
- Once players put on their gloves, have them back up and throw a littler harder.
- Once players are confident catching on their knees, do this drill from a standing position.