Wall ball teaches reaction time and foot movement. The ball bounces back unpredictably, forcing the kid to move and adjust. It’s faster than tossing drills.
What you need: 5 soft baseballs (11”), a glove, a fence or wall.
Setup: Stand 8 feet from a wall or fence. Kid has a glove on.
How to run it:
- Kid throws the ball underhand at the wall from 8 feet away.
- The ball bounces back. They catch it using Eyes, Hands, Squeeze, Pull.
- Do 10 throws and catches.
- Move back to 10 feet from the wall. Do 10 more.
- Move back to 12 feet. Do 10 more. Track how many they catch cleanly.
What to watch: Are they moving their feet to the ball? Or reaching stiffly? Feet move first, hands follow.
If they’re struggling: Stay at 8 feet. Throw harder at the wall so it bounces closer. Use a softer ball.
If they’ve got it: Move to 15 feet. Throw at an angle so the rebound comes back unpredictably. Add a second ball for rapid throws.