• At least 1 yarn ball per every 2 students

Students will demonstrate catching form:

1. Hands are in front of body and elbows flexed ready to catch.
2. Arms extend while reaching for the ball as it arrives.
3. Ball is caught by hands only.

For demonstration purposes, use students that you know can properly catch a ball so that the rest of the class can get a good understanding of how the activity works (this saves a lot of time through out the lesson and avoids confusion).

The object of the activity is to try and complete an underhand tossing and catching pattern continuously with one or more yarn balls.

Students are in groups of 5-6 people. Have them stand in a circle and give them one yarn ball to start with. Students choose the pattern of who they toss the ball to. Every person must have a turn catching a tossed ball from a group member before the ball goes back to the starting person. The students must remember that pattern because they must continue to repeat it. Once they have an understanding for the activity, give them two balls to “juggle” with. Don’t have the starting person throw both balls, give the other ball to a different person to start with. Add another ball once they get the hang of two. Some groups of 6 may be able to juggle 4 balls.

A

E B

D C

For Example: The pattern is A – C – E – B – D and then D tosses it back to A and the pattern continues. When you add in the 2nd ball, you would give it to C. When you add in the 3rd ball, give it to D.

Use different balls (larger/smaller or lighter/heavier).

Have larger or smaller groups. Have students stand closer or further apart in their groups.

Have the whole class juggle in one large group.

Have the students practice catching with one hand.