ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Objective: Catch a ball with quick reaction time

Throwing/Catching Unit | Level 32

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to catch a ball with quick reaction time.

IMPORTANCE
Catching a ball with quick reaction time is important because it is a necessary skill used to play many different sports such as baseball, football, basketball, etc. Catching also helps improves your hand-eye coordination, timing, sequencing and attention span.

VOCABULARY
Reaction time: the amount of time it takes to respond.

When catching a ball with quick reaction time, it is important to:

PRACTICE

1. Move onto Group Game – Circle Up.

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Circle Up. In this game, the objective is to catch a ball with quick reaction time to help keep your ball in the air and be the last team throwing their playground ball. 

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will divide the class into teams of two. Four teams per circle.
• Each team will have a playground ball and a tennis ball.  
• Each team will stand directly across from one another in the circle.
• When I say, "GO!" teams will throw the playground ball to their teammate.
• If a ball is dropped or hits another ball, your team is out of the game and must use the tennis ball.
• You can only throw on the teacher’s signal.  
• We will begin a new game when there is only one playground ball remaining.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Divide teams equally based on athletic ability.
• Safety:
  • Remind students to use the ready position when the ball is being thrown in their direction.
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
  • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
• Reflection: 
  • Why is it important to be able to catch the ball with quick reaction time?
  • How do you think you could improve your reaction time?

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Hula-House Battle II. In this game, the objective is to catch a ball with quick reaction time to help your team get the opposing team members down and increase your chances of knocking down their hula-house. 

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will divide the class into two teams.
• When I say, “GO!” try and throw fuzzy balls at the opposing team’s hula-house.
• You may not go past the midline or the cones surrounding your hula-house.
• If you get hit from the shoulders and below or anyone from the opposing team catches your thrown ball, you must sit down until the medic tags you. 
• You may only have one fuzzy ball in your hand at a time and cannot block shots with the fuzzy balls.
• Teams get one point if they knock down the opposing team’s hula-house. Five points if they knock down a cone and the hula-house and 10 points if they knock down just a cone.
• We will begin a new round when either a cone or hula-house gets knocked down.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • If knocking down the hula-house is too difficult move the house closer to the midline.  
  • Remind students to be honest about getting hit. Make a rule that phrases like, “I got you!” or “You’re down!” are not allowed.   
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
  • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
• Reflection: 
  • Why is it important to be able to catch the ball with quick reaction time?
  • How do you think you could improve your reaction time?

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Tater Tot Toss III. In this game, the objective is to catch a ball with quick reaction time and get as few letters (T-A-T-E-R) as possible.

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will start with the ball in the center zone.
• Before the game begins, you will circle up around the center zone.
• I will throw the ball up and call out one of your names.
• If your name is called, catch the ball after one bounce or less and yell, “TATER!”
• If your name is not called, run as far away as possible while still staying inside the boundary cones.
• When “TATER!” has been called you must freeze.
• The catcher can take up to five steps (not jumps) towards the closest student and try to hit them below the shoulders.
• If the student catches the throw or the ball bounces first, the thrower gets to tell the teacher which name to call out next round.
• If a student is hit, the whole team (everyone in the field) receives a letter.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Remind students they can only stay within the boundary cones – they cannot go outside of them.
• Safety:
  • Remind defending students to use the ready position when the ball is being thrown in their direction.
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
  • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
• Reflection: 
  • Why is it important to be able to catch the ball with quick reaction time?
  • How do you think you could improve your reaction time?