Switch!
2 lines of cones each about 2 metres apart. 1 line of cones has balls on them. On ‘Go!’ the child must pick up the first ball with one hand, switch it to the other hand, and place the ball on the cone on the opposite row. This can be done as an individual activity for one child or could be made into a team game/relay. [Agility, Coordination]
Bounce and Catch
As simple as it sounds – put a spot on the floor in front of them to give them a focus. Get the child to bounce the ball on the spot and catch the ball. Begin with 2 hands then progress to one hand in time. You can also do this by throwing to one another with the spot in the middle to aim to bounce the ball on. [Agility, Coordination]
Moving and Catching
2 people stand opposite each other about 1.5 metres apart and agree which way they are going to sidestep together while throwing and catching a ball. This will incorporate movement and coordination into one. Catching can be done with or without a bounce and can also be made harder by using two balls. [Agility, Coordination]
Mouse Trap
In pairs, one child stands behind the other about a metre apart. The child standing behind (Child A) starts with a ball in their hand while the child in front (Child B) stands with their feet shoulder width apart and should be doing some split steps (light jumping) while they are waiting. The Child A bends down and rolls the ball through Child B’s feet and Child B must run after the ball and stop it as quickly as they can. You could set a target out for them to stop the ball before a certain point such as the net or a line. A good drill for reactions and explosiveness. [Speed, Agility, Coordination]
Apple Tree
Adult and child stand opposite each other. Adult has one ball in each hand and arms held out at shoulder height. Child waits with their feet apart looking ready on their toes. Adult drops one ball and child attempts to catch after 1 bounce. [Speed, Agility]
Service ball toss
The child should place the ball in their non-dominant hand for this drill. This action is related to the serve. To ensure the ball is being thrown high enough, before you start, ask the child to reach up with their racket as high as they can – the ball must then be thrown to just above that height.
- The racquet should be placed on the floor in front of them. The head of the racket facing towards them. (If the child is left-handed, they should have their left foot at “1’o’clock” and right foot at “3’o’clock”, as if picturing a clock on the floor. If they are left handed they should face the other way ie 11o’clock and 9o’clock respectively.)
- The aim of the exercise is for the child to be able to throw the ball up above their head and get the ball to bounce on the strings of the racket. Repeat the exercise. [Coordination]
Contact
If you want to explore these speed, agility and coordination ideas any further then please feel free to contact me using the Contact Page.
