Hard hands drop balls. Soft hands catch them.
Equipment needed: A football, one player, one tosser.
Setup: Player stands ten feet from the tosser, hands up at chest height in a diamond shape (thumbs together for high balls, pinkies together for low).
How to run it:
- Phase 1 — Stationary. Five throws right at the chest. Hands form the diamond, ball lands in the pocket, fingers wrap last.
- Phase 2 — On the run. Player jogs across, tosser leads them by a step. Hands meet the ball out front.
- Phase 3 — Over the shoulder. Player runs away, tosser throws a soft arc. Player catches over the shoulder without breaking stride.
What to look for: Fingertips touch the ball first, then the palms. If you hear a slap, hands are too stiff.
Variation: Use a wet football. Forces a tighter grip and harder concentration. Saved for ages 11+.