Throwing

This is one of the most basic skills in sport. It requires good hand eye coordination, accuracy and coordination. For the purpose of this unit, there are 2 reasons for utilizing a throw

1. For cooperative purposes - Oddly enough, this can be the harder of the two options. For a cooperative throw, the goal is to facilitate your partner’s learning by using just the right amount of force and throwing the ball accurately to them which in turn will give your partner the best chance to succesfully execute a skill.

2. For competative purposes - the goal of this option is to throw the ball so that it eludes your partner. This can be accomplished by throwing it either hard enough or soft so that they can not get to the ball in time to retrieve it. Keep in mind that if the game being played has boundaries, the ball must stay within those boundaries.

Catching

Another basic skill in sport. It involves using your hands to grab an object being thrown or bouncing. It can be done with either 1 or 2 hands depending on the size of the object.

Forearm Pass

Preparatory Phase

- Base position

- Arms in front of body

- Head up, watching ball

Windup Phase

- Head up watching ball

- Arms together forming platform on forearms

- Legs bend slightly

- Arms lower slightly but remain straight

Force Phase

- Push with legs

- Arms come up slightly but remain straight

- Head still up, watching ball

Recovery

- Arms slightly follow through

- Legs completely straighten

- Head still up , watching ball

Overhead Pass

Preparatory Phase

- Base position

- Head up looking at ball

- Hands above head in diamond shape

- Arms up, slightly bent

Windup Phase

- Legs bend slightly

- Fingers contact ball

- Arms bend with ball contact cushioning ball

- Head is up, looking at ball

Force Phase

- Legs extend

- Arms extend

- Head is up, looking at ball

Recovery

- Arms straighten and push slightly out to the side

- Legs straighten

- Head is up, looking at ball

Underhand Serve (described for a right handed person)

Preparatory Phase

- Ball in left hand , hand underneath ball

- Feet together

- Right arm straight and forward underneath ball

Windup Phase

- Right arm pulls back

- Arm straight

- Hand either open, in a fist, or half closed

- Step with left foot

- Shift weight to right leg

Force Phase

- Arm swings forward, remaining straight

- Ball is either contacted in palm or at very base of palm

- Shift weight forward onto left foot

Recovery

- Arm follows through

- Head watches ball

- Legs fully extend

- All weight on left leg