Beginners  It may still be difficult to learn to bounce the ball with the correct force. If needed, stand behind the child and place your hands over their hands and do the drop and catch together to help them understand the activity.

Intermediate  Encourage consistent bouncing and catching to develop continuity.

Advanced  The children can walk forwards continually dropping and catching the ball.

Special Needs  Follow the teaching suggestions given above. If in a wheelchair, the ball can be bounced in front or at the side of a wheelchair and caught with one hand if needed.

Have the children stand in a space of their own with their feet apart.

The ball must be held in front of them with the elbows close to the body.

Have the children just open their hands and drop the ball. What does the ball do?

Then have them push the ball straight down towards the floor as hard as they can. How does the ball react?

Now have them practice pushing the ball down just hard enough so it comes back up to the hands making it easier to catch.

The children should not bend over to catch the ball, but rather let it bounce up to their hands.

The ball should be caught with two hands.

Remind the children to stand with their feet apart so they are balanced and in a better position for catching.

Be sure there is enough space between the children for this activity.

Do not have too many children on the floor at one time.

Tell the children to step back when bouncing the ball down very hard so the ball does not bounce back up into their faces.

Have the children bounce and collect their balls at the same time.