Catching Techniques

This lesson plan focuses on teaching students proper catching techniques in youth flag football, including demonstrations of different types of catches and drills to enhance hand-eye coordination and confidence.
By mark
Part of SUSD 2025 - Youth Flag Football
Public

Lesson Steps

Overview
1
Introduction to Catching Techniques
10 minutes
2
Demonstration of Chest Catch
15 minutes
3
Demonstration of Overhead Catch
15 minutes
4
Hand-Eye Coordination Drill
20 minutes
5
Confidence Building Drill
20 minutes
Show All Steps

Lesson Overview

In today's lesson, we delve into the essential skill of catching, a fundamental component of youth flag football. Our focus is on equipping students with the techniques necessary for effective catching, which enhances both their gameplay and enjoyment of the sport. Through a series of engaging drills, students learn to execute different types of catches, such as the chest catch and the overhead catch, each tailored to various in-game scenarios.

The goals of this lesson include improving students' hand-eye coordination and building their confidence in catching the ball. By the end of the session, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate correct form for the chest and overhead catches.
  • Apply catching techniques in a dynamic setting.
  • Exhibit improved coordination and timing in catching drills.

Key Objectives

Key Objectives
  • Develop fundamental catching skills by teaching students proper techniques such as the chest catch and overhead catch. Emphasize the importance of hand positioning, eye contact with the ball, and timing in executing successful catches.
  • Enhance hand-eye coordination through targeted drills that encourage students to track the ball accurately and respond quickly to different catching scenarios.
  • Build students' confidence in their ability to catch the ball by providing positive reinforcement and opportunities to practice in a supportive environment.
  • Ensure safety by instructing students on appropriate body positioning to avoid collisions and injuries while making catches.
  • Prepare students for game situations by incorporating drills that simulate real-game catching scenarios and decision-making under pressure.
Equipment Required
  • Flag footballs (enough for each pair or small group)
  • Cones for marking drill areas and boundaries
  • Whistle for signaling the start and end of drills
  • Stopwatch or timer for timing drills and transitions
  • First aid kit for handling any minor injuries
Step 1 of 5

Introduction to Catching Techniques

10 minutes

Begin the session by engaging students in a discussion about the fundamental role of catching in flag football. Explain that mastering catching techniques can significantly improve their performance and enjoyment of the game. Emphasize the importance of proper form, as it enhances their ability to catch the ball more consistently and safely.

  • Discuss the Basics: Highlight the key elements of catching, such as keeping eyes on the ball, positioning hands correctly, and maintaining balance.
  • Importance of Proper Form: Explain how correct form reduces the risk of injuries and increases the likelihood of successful catches.
  • Introduce Types of Catches: Briefly mention the types of catches that will be demonstrated, including the chest catch and overhead catch.

Encourage students to ask questions and share their experiences with catching to set a collaborative and interactive tone for the lesson.

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Step 2 of 5

Demonstration of Chest Catch

15 minutes

In this activity, students learn the chest catch technique. Follow these steps to effectively demonstrate and practice this method:

  • Explain the Technique: Begin by explaining the chest catch, highlighting how it is a fundamental skill for receiving short, accurate passes.
  • Hand Placement: Show students how to position their hands in a diamond shape, with thumbs and index fingers touching, ready to cushion the ball.
  • Body Positioning: Emphasize standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and body relaxed to absorb the ball's impact.
  • Demonstrate the Catch: Perform a slow-motion demonstration of the chest catch, catching an incoming ball, and pulling it into the body.
  • Student Practice: Pair students and have them practice throwing and catching the ball using the chest catch technique, offering feedback to ensure proper form.
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Step 3 of 5

Demonstration of Overhead Catch

15 minutes
  • Gather students in a semicircle to ensure everyone has a clear view of the demonstration.
  • Explain the importance of tracking the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hands until it is secured.
  • Demonstrate the proper stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms extended above the head.
  • Show the correct hand alignment: hands form a diamond shape with thumbs and index fingers touching, ready to catch the ball.
  • Emphasize the need to cushion the ball with the hands and bring it down securely to the chest after the catch.
  • Encourage students to visualize the ball's path and anticipate its speed and trajectory.
  • Invite a volunteer to practice the overhead catch with guidance and feedback on form and technique.
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Step 4 of 5

Hand-Eye Coordination Drill

20 minutes

Conduct a series of drills designed to enhance hand-eye coordination using simple toss and catch activities. These drills help students improve their focus and timing, which are crucial for effective catching in youth flag football.

  • Partner Toss: Pair up students and have them stand about 5 feet apart. Instruct them to gently toss the ball back and forth, ensuring they keep their eyes on the ball at all times. Encourage them to use both hands to catch the ball, focusing on soft hands and a secure grip.
  • One-Hand Catch Challenge: Challenge students to catch the ball using only one hand. This variation encourages better concentration and enhances hand dexterity. Rotate hands to ensure both are equally developed.
  • Quick Reaction Toss: Have one student stand facing away from their partner. On a signal, the partner tosses the ball and the student must turn around quickly and catch it. This drill sharpens reaction times and improves unexpected catch situations.
  • High-Low Toss: Instruct students to alternate between high and low tosses with their partners. This helps practice adjusting hand positions and improves adaptability to different catching scenarios.

Throughout the drills, provide feedback and encourage students to maintain their focus and improve their catching technique. These activities aim to build a strong foundation in hand-eye coordination essential for successful gameplay.

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Step 5 of 5

Confidence Building Drill

20 minutes

Implement the following drills to help students build confidence in their catching abilities by progressively increasing the difficulty level:

  • Partner Toss: Pair students up and have them stand a few feet apart. Have them gently toss the ball back and forth, gradually increasing the distance as they become more comfortable.
  • Moving Catch: Instruct students to jog slowly in place while their partner tosses the ball to them. Encourage them to focus on maintaining their form while catching on the move.
  • High-Low Toss: Direct partners to alternate between high and low throws, requiring students to adjust their positioning and catching technique accordingly.
  • Reaction Drill: Have students line up and randomly toss balls to them at various angles and speeds. Encourage quick reactions and adaptability to different catching scenarios.

Encourage students to support each other and provide positive feedback throughout the drills to foster a supportive learning environment.

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