Skill: CATCHING
Drill: Think Fast!
Equipment needed: Two foam cubes or similar item.
Instructors needed: One per group
Description: In this drill the students will practice catching. This is a fundamental skill that most 3 and 4 year olds will struggle with at first. This builds hand-eye coordination focus. At the same time, this drill builds distance awareness, which is an essential skill for all youthful Martial Artists.
Teaching SKILLZ:
TRICKERY – The instructor can say things that sound like “think fast”, like “think slow”, or say things like “go” to try and trick the students, which will enhance their auditory processing even more.
Brain SKILLZ:
AUDITORY PROCESSING – The students must listen for the audio cue of the phrase “think fast” and respond by turning around and catching a ball that comes towards them.
Step 1
Divide your students into lines
Step 2 – Setting Up the Drill:
For each line, lay a stack of pads for the student to catch.
Step 3 – Explain the Rules:
  • You will take three steps forward and turn your back to the instructor.
  • The instructor will say “think fast” and you must turn around and face the instructor.
  • The instructor will toss the pad at you and you must catch it.
  • If you drop the pad then you must do three push-ups.
Step 4 – Takeaways:
  • Learn to get a feel for distance when catching
  • Work on listening to proper commands
Step 5
  • Continue until each student has at least two turns. On the second turn have them take four steps away.
 
How To Video