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Over the Rope Toss

Toss a beach ball over a low rope to the grown-up and catch it when it comes back. Getting the ball over is the start of serving.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Tie a rope or string between two chairs at your child’s chest height.

Ages
4 to 6
Time
3 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Beach ball or big soft ball, rope or string between two chairs
Level · skill
Beginner · Serving

The steps

How it works

  1. Tie a rope or string between two chairs at your child’s chest height.
  2. Stand on opposite sides.
  3. Your child tosses the ball over the rope with two hands.
  4. You toss it back gently for them to catch.

Coaching point

Praise the try: “Over it goes! Great toss.”

Safety: A beach ball or big soft ball only. Play on grass or a soft, flat, clear space.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Play “Over the Rope Toss” to a song. When the music plays you play, and when it stops you freeze like a statue, then start again.

Story

You are a kangaroo at a party, and “Over the Rope Toss” is your dance.

Practice makes progress

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