Two-handed catching with soft hands

Setup

1. Pairs face each other between two cones about 3–4 m apart; leave plenty of room between pairs.
2. One soft ball per pair. Hats and water in the shade nearby.

How it runs

1. Chest catches: gentle underarm throws to the partner's chest. Catch with both hands, little fingers together, and pull the ball in to the tummy.
2. High catches: throw a little higher, above the head. Fingers point up, thumbs together, and the hands give back past the face.
3. Low catches: throw to knee height. Fingers point down, little fingers together, and bend the knees to get low.
4. Each time the pair makes five catches in a row, both take one step back. Count the best streak.

Coaching points

• Ready position: feet apart, knees bent, hands up in front, eyes on the ball.
• Fingers up for high balls, fingers down for low balls.
• Soft hands: let the hands travel back with the ball like catching an egg.
• Throw when your partner is looking and ready; call their name first.

Common mistakes

• Stiff arms and hands held out flat, so the ball bounces off.
• Turning the head or closing the eyes as the ball arrives.
• Clapping at the ball with both hands instead of making a cup.