Hi all,

I hope that everyone is continuing to enjoy the daily challenges being set by the coaches. I have sent the challenge out for tomorrow a little earlier than normal as I would like the scores to be sent in by 6pm tomorrow if possible so I can get the leaderboard updated tomorrow night with the first 5 activities. The weekend will then be an opportunity for your son / daughter to try as many of the first 5 challenges again with bonus points being awarded for improvements to their original scores. The Coaches Challenge for Friday is as follows :-

Challenge 5 – Indoor catching drill

Equipment 1 tennis/soft ball, bat and a stopwatch.

Activity (click here for the demo):

i ) This challenge tests your catching and reactions again! Spin your bat around and lean it up against a wall. Then underarm throw the ball onto the bat and catch with just one hand depending on which direction the ball goes after its impact with the bat. Your body and hands will need to be quite close to the bat as shown in the demo. Catches from only the bat count so that means you can’t use the wall as a back-up!
ii) The challenge is split into 2 – Firstly, count how many successful catches you can get in 2 minutes using a stopwatch. For the second challenge, count how many catches you can get in a row without dropping. If you pass 30 with either challenge then please use a smaller ball (e.g. golf ball) if you can and do the challenge again.

Coaches Tips:

a) Like yesterday, these challenges are all about maintaining your balance. Build a solid base with your feet more than shoulder width apart as shown in the demo and your head in line with the top of the bat.
b) Have both hands ready to catch the ball but remember, one handed catches only! ( clearly if your son / daughter struggles with one handed catches they can use both hands to make the catch )
c) Build a rhythm and with your solid base, you won’t have to move out of your position. Less movement equals more catches and will definitely help with the first challenge as it is timed.

Please email me by 6pm on Friday 1 May ( earlier time than normal ) with the following: –

a) Child’s name,
b) The number of catches from the first challenge,
c) The number of catches from the second challenge.

Bonus points will be awarded to the individual(s) for the most catches in each challenge.

Please let me know if you have any queries.

Many thanks and stay safe.

Carl & the coaching team

07397761268