Parent & kid: Simple catch ideas for all ages

William (14), Tom (12), John (9), Clara (5) and dad Jamie Green go through different ball handling ideas bouncing a ball against the wall. It shows how you can give each age group a different range of challenges.

First, Jamie gets the kids to do some shuttle runs, get their heart rates up before the activity.

Working first with William (14). Note that it includes the catch types above the head, to help with lineouts.

Now Tom (12). Again, the variations keep the player involved.

John (9) has slightly simpler ideas, with more off the ground.

Last, and certainly not least, Clara (5). Note the use of metaphors to help remind the player of a technique (dirty hands, not dirty clothes).

REMINDER OF SOME VARIATIONS

• At waist height.
• Above and below waist.
• Hard at the wall.
• Above the head and below the knees.
• To the sides.
• Catch above the head.
• Catch and turn.
• Catch with one hand only.
• Catch before it bounces.
• Catch after one bounce on the ground.
• Don’t throw it at the windows.

Note that the player could do some shuttle runs and then return to see if they can do five good catches.