Hand Strike
The hand strike skill involves using the flat part of the palm to strike the ball with controlled power. The hand remains open, and the ball is hit with the palm facing the direction you want it to go. It is often used for passing or controlling the ball in sports like volleyball or handball, or in playground games like Four Square.
Teaching cues
- Ready: Knees bent, eyes on the ball.
- Strike Up: Use a flat palm to gently hit the ball upwards.
- Control: Focus on height and direction so the ball stays in play.
- React: Move quickly to where the ball will land.
Teaching strategies
- Encourage slow, controlled movements to help children focus on hitting the ball with the palm, not the fingers.
- Use a soft ball and gently tap or pass the ball against a wall or to a partner.
- Teach children to extend their arm after contact, guiding the ball in the direction they want it to go.
- Use larger, softer balls to make it easier to strike the ball and to build confidence (jumbo tennis balls are great for this).
- Practice striking the ball to specific targets, such as a small area on the wall or a partner’s hands, to develop accuracy.
- Teach children to use their feet and body to adjust their position before striking, improving balance and power.
- Play games where players must time their strike with a moving ball or another player’s pass to develop fluidity and anticipation, like Two Square Mixer.
- Encourage children to vary the power and speed of their hand strike, learning to adjust the force for different situations (e.g., soft passes versus powerful hits).
- Play games like Four Square to practice the hand strike under pressure.
Skill criteria
- Hand Position: Keep the hand flat with fingers spread wide, ensuring contact is made with the palm.
- Arm Alignment: Keep the arm straight and in line with the ball, making sure the motion is controlled.
- Body Position: Maintain a balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and eyes focused on the ball.
- Contact Point: Strike the ball with the middle of the palm.
- Follow-Through: Extend the arm towards the target after contact, guiding the ball in the intended direction.
- Timing and Coordination: Ensure the strike is made at the right moment, with the body and arms moving together to generate power and control.
Common errors
- Striking the ball with a fist or fingers instead of the flat palm, reducing control.
- Stopping the arm too soon after contact, leading to weak or inaccurate strikes.
- Striking the ball too hard without control.
