Game version
Catch-and-call: a partner throws and calls a color or number, and you say it as you catch. The pair counts catches, then swaps.
Catching Through a Wave
Keep your eyes on the ball while a partner waves their hands near your face without touching you.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A partner stands beside you and waves their hands, no touching.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best of catches out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and 2 partners
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Flag football, 2 partners
- Level · skill
- Developing · Catching
The steps
How it works
- A partner stands beside you and waves their hands, no touching.
- Another partner throws from 8 yards.
- Look only at the ball and catch it with your hands.
- Make 15 catches, then swap jobs.
Coaching point
Eyes on the ball only.
Safety: Use a soft or youth-size ball to start, and keep your eyes on it so it never hits your face. Wear a mouthguard in any partner or game drill (and soft headgear if your league requires it). Keep your head up, call for the ball, and give way in traffic.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (soft toss), Core (medium), More (on the move). Beat your own best of catches out of 10.
Story
You are a receiver making the big play.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best of catches out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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