Catch in the Cradle

How to run it

1. 1.Set upMini Red court, player + coach 3m apart. Foam ball. 5-min set.
2. 2.PositioningPlayer faces coach, racket held face-up at waist height like a cradle.
3. 3.FootworkSide-shuffle 1-2 steps to centre the ball over the racket cradle before catching.
4. 4.ProgressionBeginner: catch a soft toss directly to the cradle. Intermediate: 2-3 step side-to-side catches. Advanced: catch then bounce-and-catch combo.

Coaching cue

"Soft cradle." "Move feet first, hands second." "Catch quiet."

What a parent can do

Say: "Quiet hands." Notice if they catch without the ball bouncing off.

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