Hand ball; bean bags.
When little children first begin to handle a ball the size of an ordinary hand ball, the acquirement of skill in tossing and catching is not altogether easy. Experience with such children has shown that some preliminary drill is very desirable as a preparation for the ball games. This drill may itself be done in the play spirit and made very interesting.
The various movements described may be general (by the class in unison) in time to music or counting; or they may be done individually or with partners as indicated, irrespective of the time in which other individuals or partners are working.
In the latter method the play may be competitive, the pupils counting the number of times in which they bound or toss or catch without missing, the one reaching the highest number winning.
It will be noted that the drill seeks to cultivate equal skill of both hands. This is very desirable in many games and should be done aside from any theories as to the value of ambidexterity.
I. HAND BALL DRILL (ELEMENTARY)
A. BOUNDING
INDIVIDUAL PLAY
1. Bound, and catch with both hands, palms upward.