HOOPSKETCHBASKETBALL
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Rebounding / 5 MINUTES

Toss, track, catch with two hands

Track a gentle ball flight and finish with a secure, balanced catch.

ON THE FLOOR

Partner / station setup
Toss, track, catch with two hands — drill diagramOne child practices a small self-toss and secure catch in an individual space. The setup stays still because a top-down animation cannot honestly show jumping or ball height.Small toss in your own spaceTwo hands · balanced catch1
One child practices a small self-toss and secure catch in an individual space. The setup stays still because a top-down animation cannot honestly show jumping or ball height.
1PlayerXDefenderBallMovePass / shotDribble

Motion is off with your reduced-motion preference. The setup and action paths show the rep.

MAKE IT FIT YOUR GROUP

Coach the players in front of you.

Ages 6–8

A foam ball and a very low toss are useful starting points. Secure catches matter more than jump height.

Work & rest
Five small tosses, then a reset and a short rest before another turn.
Look for success
The child watches the ball into both hands and finishes without stumbling or chasing.
Players

1 per clear catching space

Equipment

Soft or child-sized basketball, One floor marker

Space

An individual space away from other landing areas

Set it up

Give each child a clear space and a marker to return to. Begin without a basket so the child controls how high the ball travels. A coach demonstrates a very small toss.

Run the activity

  1. Lift the ball a short distance above the hands and keep watching it rather than reaching before it arrives.
  2. Meet the ball with two hands at a comfortable height. Keep it close when returning to a balanced stance.
  3. Pause to show the catch, then reset at the marker before another gentle toss. Jumping is optional, not a target.
  4. Try five controlled catches, rest briefly and tell the coach which toss height felt easiest to track.
ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“Watch it. Two hands. Quiet feet.”

Watch for this

Throwing so high that the child has to chase or collide with a neighboring catcher.

Make it easier

Have the coach make a short soft toss straight to the child’s ready hands.

Add a challenge

Add a tiny step toward a slightly offset toss while preserving a clear landing space.

Coaching references

Original HoopSketch activity and drawing. These references informed the coaching principles; the age fit, constraints and pacing are our editorial guidance. Adjust to readiness and your league’s rules.

Age and development framework

References checked October 22, 2026. Basketball-coach review pending.