When the glove is off, kids stop hiding behind it. They have to drop low and bring both hands together to catch a rolling ball. The body learns the right position because the body has no choice.
What you need: 5 tennis balls. No gloves.
Setup: Stand 8 feet from the kid on grass. They face you with no glove, both hands ready in front.
How to run it:
- Cue: Drop, Show, Funnel. No throw today.
- They drop into a low position, both hands cupped together palms-up on the ground.
- Roll a slow ball into their hands. They squeeze it between both hands and bring it up to the chest.
- Do 10 rolls. Reset between each.
- Last 5: roll slightly to one side. Now they have to step before they drop.
What to watch: Are both hands together? If one hand is in front of the other or off to the side, the catch is one-handed and ball will pop out. Hands together palm-to-palm.
If they’re struggling: Slower rolls. Bigger soft ball.
If they’ve got it: Add the glove back. Same drill, now with the glove. The glove should feel easier than no glove.