Square Bounce

Partners aim to keep a rally going by bouncing a ball into the designated Square Bounce Zone and catching it after one bounce. As the game progresses, players can modify the size of their playing area and the type of ball used.
This game is best played on a court or hard surface. Separate the children into partners. Each pair will need eight cones and one volleyball. Create a rectangular playing area that is split into three thirds. Each third is approximately 5 metres by 5 metres. The middle third is the 'Square Bounce Zone'. Players stand in opposite thirds, facing each other with the Square Bounce Zone (middle third) in between them.
Set up one playing rectangle (three 5 metre by 5 metre thirds marked out with cones) to demonstrate the game first, then ask the children to set up their own equipment in a small space.
Step 1:
- Partners stand on either side of the Square Bounce Zone.
- One player starts with the ball and must bounce the ball into the Square Bounce Zone.
- The other player must attempt to catch the ball after it has bounced once in the Square Bounce Zone.
Step 2:
- The rally continues until one player does not catch ball OR if the ball bounces more than once inside the Square Bounce Zone.
Step 3:
- Play the game with a different sized ball (low bounce volleyball, tennis ball, high bounce ball, foam soft ball, gator ball, basketball)
- Change the size of the thirds and the Square Bounce Zone.
- Introduce using a small bat or racquet to bounce the ball.
- Decrease the size of the playing rectangle
- Use a larger, softer ball
- Allow the ball to bounce more than once in the Square Bounce Zone
- Increase the length of playing areas so they are longer thirds
- Play in doubles (2 vs 2)
- Introduce striking the ball with a small bat or tennis racquet
Play the game first, then pause to talk about the following teaching points:
- READ the ball and player movement – where is it going?
- RESPOND with a movement – where and how should I move?
- REACT with a shot – what type of shot will I use? Where am I aiming for?
- RECOVER for the next shot – where should I move to? How do I prepare for the next shot?
Ask questions:
- Where is the best place to throw/hit the ball the ball to when the court is a rectangular shape? Why? (Front and back because the court is long and narrow. This makes your opponent move to get to the ball.)
- If your opponent is standing deep in the court where would you want to throw/hit the ball to? Why? (To the front of the court as is further for them to get to, increasing the chance that they will not be able to respond in time and return the ball to you.)
- Have an array of balls available for children to choose from.
- Allow children to choose the size of their playing rectangle.
- Ensure proficient children are challenged by changing the type of ball or introducing bats/racquets to bounce the ball.