Street Hockey and Pillow Polo Games

Pass Ball: Have campers make a circle and have a counselor start with the ball.  The counselor asks a question and passes the ball to a camper, who answers the question and then passes it to someone else, and so on.  This continues until everyone has received a pass, answered the question, and the ball ends up back in the hands of the counselor.

Introduce Stick Handling: Discuss the cues of how to hold the stick

                        -Non dominant hand on top/dominant hand on bottom

                        -Keep stick below the waist when swinging

                        -Bend knees/transfer weight

                        -Follow through

Stick Handling Drills (Campers are spread out in a self-space):         

                                                -Stick handle ball in open space while walking

-Stick handle ball in open space running

                                                -Stick handle ball 3X towards the right then 3X to the left

                                                -Stick handle ball in different directions

                                                -Stick handle ball while changing speeds

Stick Handling Using Cones: Have campers perform the following:

                                                -Figure 8’s between cones

                                                -Pretend the cones are defenders, keep away!

                                                -When you come to a cone, trap the ball

Stick Handling Relay: (Campers and counselors are split into groups of four)

                                    -Stick handle ball the length of the court

-Stick handle ball 3X to the right, stop, then 3X to the left the length of the court.

                                    -Stick handle ball through cones

Hockey Highway: Once the campers get their equipment, have them move into open space and tell them to "start their engines". This means they are to dribble the ball back and forth (left to right) ten times without moving out of their self-space. In other words they pass it back and forth to themselves but don't move. Once they have done this, they can begin to safely travel around the "highway" (the open general space), using different pathways (straight, curved, and zigzag) to avoid collisions (have the campers make the sounds of cars).

If campers lose control of their ball, dribble out of bounds, or have a collision, their car is now "stalled" and they have to start their engine (soft tap the ball back and forth to themselves wile remaining stationary) again before they can begin to travel again!

As students travel through the general space, remind them to use soft taps in order to keep the ball close to their stick, and to use both sides of the blade.

Introduce Passing and Receiving: Discuss the cues of passing and receiving.

                                                -Use proper stick grip

                                                -Bend knees

                                                -Weight transfer from back to front

                                                -Keep stick below waist on backswing and follow through

Passing and Receiving Drills:

1.) Have campers find their own personal space on the field and begin passing the ball to each other back and forth starting in close and slowly moving further and further away.  Once they master that skill, have the partner that is receiving the ball move to an open area so the passer can work on accuracy passing.

2.) Have campers in a group of three.  Have counselors pick one person to be in the middle.  The campers, who are not in the middle, have to keep the ball away from the person in the middle by making quick and accurate passes.  Make sure to use good communication.  Remember that everyone needs to have a chance in the middle, so make sure that groups switch roles.

3.) Have campers get into groups of four or five.  Have them make a circle.  The object is to see how many successful passes they can make as a group.  Then they can maybe see how many they can get as a tribe.

Hockey Obstacle Course:      Have campers go through the hockey obstacle course which you layout using cones and hoops and sticks.

Shooting: Discuss the cues of shooting:

                                    -Non dominant hand on top/dominant hand on bottom

                                    -Keep stick below the waist when swinging

                                    -Bend knees/transfer weight

                                    -Follow through

Steal The Bacon: Make two teams of campers and give each camper a number and line them up on opposite sides of the basketball court.  Put two balls in the middle while the teams stand in a line.  Have a counselor call out a number.  That number from each team should pick dribble the ball with their stick and try to score a goal at the opposite end of where their team is.  The camper tries to score a goal before their opponent does.  Once the goal has been scored, each camper needs to return the ball and go back in line.

Shooting Drills:

1.) Campers make a half circle around the goal and do rapid fire shooting. (First standing still, then shoot off the dribble)

2.) Have campers make two lines at mid-field.  Start the balls in one of the lines and have them pass it to their partner.  After they pass the ball, they have to cut behind their partner that has the ball and wait for them to pass it back.  Once the pass has been made, take a shot on goal.

3.) Make various targets/obstacles and see if the campers can be successful in reaching them.

Defense: Discuss the correct stance and importance of defense:

                                                -Knees bent

                                                -Feet shoulder width apart

                                                -Bottom down

                                                -Head up/stick below the waist

Defense Drills:

1.)    Have the campers line up on the end line with a partner.  Have one partner on the end line, while the other partner is on the court facing them with three feet of space in between them.  Have the partner on the end line move in different directions, while the other partner mirrors them by sliding backwards, while focusing on the cues of defense.

2.)    Now perform the same drill, but give the partner on the end line a stick and ball.  Have them dribble while their partner plays defense.

3.)    2 vs. 2 and other small defensive games.

Mini Hockey/Pillow Polo Game: Split up campers and play a game of hockey/pillow polo.

Hockey Pirates: Each camper gets a stick.  Give only half of the camper’s pucks.  Campers scatter around until the whistle is blown.  Remind campers to keep their sticks on the ground.  On the signal “pirates are coming!”  Hockey Pirates (one without a puck), try to stick-handle the puck or ball away from the Free Players (ones with pucks).  Free players, as soon as you are without a puck or ball, you become a Pirate and must try to get the puck away from any Free Player.

Sideline Hockey: Form two equal teams and have each team line up on a sideline, facing each other.  Have the players number off consecutively.  Then place a puck in the middle between the two sideline teams.  Emphasize that no body contact is allowed and that sticks should not be raised higher than hip level.  When you hear your number called, the two players with that number run quickly to the puck try to gain control, and then shoot it past one of the opposition sideline players to score a goal.  Sideline players, you are the “goalies.”  Stay just in front of the sideline and use your stick, feet, and free hand to prevent a goal from being scored.

Pirate Ship: Campers/Counselors are split up into two teams.  Each team is a ship. (A ship is made up of three cones)  The object is for the pirates to sink the other team’s ship by knocking the cones over by hitting the ball into the cones.  Each team may select one person to be the sailor.  The sailor is the only one that can save the ship by picking up the cones.

Pillow Polo/Hockey Game: Split up campers and play a game of hockey/pillow polo.

Helpful Hints for Hockey and Pillow Polo:

Always review safety rules at the start of each period of sports.

Demonstrate the proper way to hold a stick.

Introduce yourself and the staff to campers and have them tell you a little bit about themselves.

Back to the top

SOFTBALL

Pass Ball:

Have campers make a circle and have a counselor start with the ball.  The counselor asks a question and passes the ball to a camper, who answers the question and then passes it to someone else, and so on.  This continues until everyone has received a pass, answered the question, and the ball ends up back in the hands of the counselor.

Clam Free: Three campers are it.  If someone is to get tagged then they are frozen in the clam position. (Standing on one leg with arms overhead)  The only way for them to get unfrozen is if two campers join hands around them and shout out 1,2,3 clam free!  Then they can begin to run again.

Throwing & Catching: Discuss the cues to Throwing & Catching:

                        - Fingers are spread comfortably across the seam of the ball

                        - Weight transfer goes from back to front

                        - Follow through

                        - Soft hands when catching (absorb the ball)

Throwing & Catching Drills: Each camper should have one ball to perform the following:

                        - Throw ball underhand to self right/left hand

                        - Throw it high-medium-low

                        - How many times can you catch it in a row?

                        - Maybe use hoops as targets

Throwing & Catching With Partner: Have campers get with a partner:

                                                            -Play catch with a partner underhand throw

                                                            -Play catch with a partner overhand throw

                                                            -Have partner move to a spot and throw the ball

                                                            -How many catches can you get as a team?      

Face to Face Toss: Have campers get with a partner:

Campers should stand face to face with their partner.  Throw the ball to each other.  If both campers catch the ball, then one partner should take a step back.  The team gets one point for every step they take.  If they drop the ball, they need to start all over again.  Start with underhand throw, then move on to overhand throw.

Blob Tag: Have campers get with their partners.  Have each pair hold hands and form a circle.  Designate one pair as the “blob.”  Without letting go of hands, running, or falling, the blob attempts to tag another pair.  When a pair is tagged, they then become part of the blob.  The blob continues to expand until all pairs are caught.  If any pair falls, lets go of hands, or runs, they become part of the blob.  If the blob breaks up, lets go of hands, or anyone falls down, they must stop until the circle is re-formed.

Defense: Discuss the cues of defense:

                                    -Bottom down

                                    -Head up

                                    -Hands out in front

                                    -Watch ball go into your glove

Defense Drills:          

Partner campers up and have them throw grounders to each other to practice the mechanics.  Once the ball has been fielded, have the camper throw it back to their partner.

Pickle:

Place campers get into groups of three.  Pick one camper to be the runner and the other two campers are base people.  (use spots as bases)  The object is for the runner to make it from one base to the other without being tagged.  Have the runner stand on one base.  As the base person releases the ball, the runner steps off base.  The next move is up to the runner.  Most will take a short lead off the bag, await the return throw, and scamper quickly to second, trying to beat the throw.  Have campers switch roles.

Base Running: Discuss the cues of base running

            -Run as fast as you can

            -Head up

            -Make sure your foot touches each base

Base Running Drills:

Have a counselor lead the way around the bases and have the campers follow

Diamond Running- Divide campers into four groups and assign them to a base.  Have the first camper of each group run the bases.  Make a relay out of it.  This will help the campers understand the correct way of running the bases.  Have campers switch bases so they know where to go when put in a new position.

Hitting:

Discuss the cues of hitting (Demonstrate)

                        -Dominant hand about non-dominant hand when holding bat

                        -Shoulder facing pitcher with knees bent

                        -Head up

                        -Transfer weight

                        -Follow through on swing

Hitting Drill:           

1.)    Have campers practice their swing without a ball.

2.)    Use a tee to work on hitting

3.)    After they hit the ball off of the tee, have them place the bat down at their feet

One Base Softball:

Use home plate and first base only.  The camper runs to the base after a successful hit is made. 

* The outfield team tries to get three outs on the batting team as in regulation softball. Once a player makes it to the base; she does not have to run home if the next batter makes another successful hit.  There can be as many players on the base as necessary.

* The outfield team needs to tag the batter with the ball to make an out.  There are no “forced outs” as in regular softball.  The outfield team can still catch a fly ball for an out.

Encourage the campers to be careful and think of the times when it might be wiser to stay on base than to run home for a score.  The outfield team should be on the watch for possible double or triple plays when there are many players on the base who might run home after a successful hit.

Stuck In The Mud With Partners- Have campers get with their partners.  Choose two people to be it.  If a person gets tagged, then they must stand still as if they were “stuck in the mud” with their legs spread apart.  The only way to get un-stuck is if their partner throws them a ground ball and they field it.

Chicken Baseball – divide the campers and counselors into 2 even groups.  One person on the first team throws the rubber chicken.  Once thrown the other team must retrieve the chicken.  Then they form a line (one behind the other) and pass the chicken over under style until it gets to the end.  Once it is at the end they have to shout out their team name.  While the “outfielders are doing the above – the team that threw the chicken forms a tight cluster and the thrower has to run around the group as many times as he/she can until the outfielders shout out the name of their team.  Points are awarded for every time the runner makes it around his team before the other team shouts!

Mini Softball Game: Split up campers and play a game of softball.

Fruit Cocktail: Pick three campers to be it.  The rest of the campers line up on the end line.  The campers on the end line each get called a fruit.  The taggers have to decide on which fruit to call.  If the camper’s fruit gets called, then they have to run to the other end line without getting tagged.  If they get tagged, then they have to freeze and become jello.  Jello is allowed to tag campers running by as long as their feet are planted.  They are allowed to use their arms only.  If the taggers yell fruit cocktail, then all of the fruits have to run to the other end line.

Steal The Bacon: Make two teams of campers and give each camper a number.  Put two balls in the middle while the teams stand in a line.  Have a counselor call out a number.  That number from each team should pick up a softball and run to the “target area.”  The camper tries to hit the target before their opponent does.  Once the target has been reached, each camper needs to return the softball and go to the end of the line.

Blob Tag: Have campers get with their partners.  Have each pair hold hands and form a circle.  Designate one pair as the “blob.”  Without letting go of hands, running, or falling, the blob attempts to tag another pair.  When a pair is tagged, they then become part of the blob.  The blob continues to expand until all pairs are caught.  If any pair falls, lets go of hands, or runs, they become part of the blob.  If the blob breaks up, lets go of hands, or anyone falls down, they must stop until the circle is re-formed.

Clam Free: Three campers are it.  If someone is to get tagged then they are frozen in the clam position. (Standing on one leg with arms overhead)  The only way for them to get unfrozen is if two campers join hands around them and shout out 1,2,3 clam free!  Then they can begin to run again.

Back to the top

SOCCER

Dribbling & Trapping:

Discuss the cues to dribbling & trapping:

                        -Keep ball close to feet                        

                        -Short strides

                        -Use both feet (inside, outside)

                        -Keep head up

Dribbling & Trapping Drills:

Each camper should have one ball to perform the following:

                                                -Drop ball from above head and work on trapping with feet

                                                -Dribble in open space walking

                                                -Dribble in open space running

-Dribble 3X towards the right then 3X to the left          

                                                -Dribble in different directions

Dribbling Using Cones: Have campers perform the following:

                                                -Figure 8’s between cones

                                                -Pretend the cones are a defender, keep away!

                                                -When you come to a cone, trap the ball

Dribbling Relay: Divide campers into teams for relays

                                    -Dribble length of the field

                                    -Dribble three times then trap

                                    -Throw the ball up, then trap

                                    -Over-under relay

Dribbling Knock Out:

Choose two campers to be ball knockers.  Their job is to knock people’s balls out of bounds as they dribble.  If a camper’s ball should get knocked out, then they have to dribble down one length of the field in order to get back in the game.

Passing & Receiving:

Discuss the cues of passing and receiving:

                                                -Use inside of foot for passing

                                                -Non-kicking foot alongside ball

                                                -Keep eye on the ball

                                                -Receive ball by cradling it with foot

Passing & Receiving Drills:

Have partnered-up campers find their own personal space on the field and begin passing the ball to each other back and forth starting in close and slowly moving further and further away.  Once they master that skill, have the partner that is receiving the ball move to an open area so the passer can work on accuracy passing.

Passing & Receiving Drills 3:

Have campers in a group of three.  Have counselors pick one person to be in the middle.  The campers, who are not in the middle, have to keep the ball away from the person in the middle by making quick and accurate passes.  Make sure to use good communication.  Remember that everyone needs to have a chance in the middle, so make sure that groups switch roles.

Window Soccer:                     

Have six goals set up along the field in different areas.  The goal is to have the partners pass the ball successfully through the different goals without having the ball touch the cones.  See how many goals they can get in one minute and see if they can continue to beat their score.

Clam Free Soccer - Three campers are it.  If someone is to get tagged then they are frozen in the clam position. (Standing on one leg with arms overhead)  The only way for them to get unfrozen is if two campers join hands around them and shout out 1,2,3 clam free!  Then they can begin to run again.  Soccer adaptation – everyone is dribbling a ball – once they are tagged they have to get control of their ball and stand in the stop position (one foot on top of ball) until they are freed.

Shooting: Discuss the cues of shooting:

                                                -Pull back kicking leg

                                                -Non-kicking foot alongside ball aiming at target

                                                -Head over the ball, keeping weight over ball

                                                -Follow through

Shooting Drills:

1.)    Campers make a half circle around the goal and do rapid fire shooting. (First standing still, then shoot off the dribble)

2.)     Have campers make two lines at mid-field.  Start the balls in one of the lines and have them pass it to their partner.  After they pass the ball, they have to cut behind their partner that has the ball and wait for them to pass it back.  Once the pass has been made, take a shot on goal.

Mini Soccer Game:   

1.)    Split campers into two teams and have them play a mini game of soccer.

Pirate Ship: Campers/Counselors are split up into two teams.  Each team is a ship. (A ship is made up of three cones)  The object is for the pirates to sink the other team’s ship by knocking the cones over by hitting the ball into the cones.  Each team may select one person to be the sailor.  The sailor is the only one that can save the ship by picking up the cones.

Sharks and Minnows Tag: Two campers will be the taggers. (Sharks)  The rest of the campers will begin the game as (minnows) spread out in the playing area.  On the signal that the sharks give, the minnows begin to run to the opposite side of the playing field while avoiding the sharks.  If a shark tags a minnow, then they become frozen and turn into seaweed.  They are allowed to move their arms only and try to tag campers that run by them.  If seaweed tags a camper, then they too become seaweed.

Sideline Soccer: Form two equal teams and have each team line up on a sideline, facing each other.  Have the players number off consecutively.  Then place a ball in the middle between the two sideline teams.  Place two goals on opposite ends of the field.  Emphasize that no body contact is allowed. When you hear your number called, the two players with that number run quickly to the ball to gain control, and then dribble and shoot the ball into their team’s goal (you can use two balls and each team has to score using their team’s ball).

Soccer Game: Split campers into 4 teams and have them play 2 games of soccer (divide the counselors up).

Back to the top

VOLLEYBALL

Choose the balls according to objective and skill level (you may want to use beach balls or soft touch balls).  Play Newcomb if setting and bumping is too challenging and work up to the setting and bumping.

Keep It High ~ Name Game:

Have campers get in a circle and practice hitting the ball back and forth to each other, while calling out their names.  The object is to see how long they can keep the ball off of the ground and to see who can learn the most campers’ names in their tribe.

Setting: Discuss the cues of setting:

                                    -Bend knees

                                    -Use fingertips

                                    -Hit ball high

                                    -Follow through

Setting Drills:

1.)    Have campers see how many times they can keep the ball in the air, by using the set hit.

2.) Have campers get with their partners.  Have one partner toss the ball, while the other partner sets it back to them.

3.) Have campers get with their partners and see how many times they can keep the ball in the air, by working together and using the set hit.

4.)    Have campers see how many times they can keep the ball in the air as a tribe.  (Everyone must touch the ball at least once.)

Sit-down Volleyball:

1.)    Sit-down volleyball can be played with either one or two balls.  The only difference in this activity from regulation volleyball is that players are in a sitting or kneeling position.  To keep the game more interesting, it is possible to add more volleyballs.  Students may play the ball no matter how many bounces the ball has taken.  This will help them work on their setting abilities.

Stuck in the Mud: Pick two campers to be it and one camper to be a “setter.”  If a person gets tagged, then they must stand still as if they were “stuck in the mud” with their arms in the air.  The only way to get un-stuck is if the “setter” tosses the volleyball to someone who is stuck and they can set it back.

Bump: Discuss the cues of bumping:

                                    -Bend knees

                                    -Hands together

                                    -Use forearms to hit ball

                                    -Follow through

Bumping Drills:

1.)    Have campers see how many times they can keep the ball in the air, by using the bump hit.

2.) Have campers get with their partners.  Have one partner toss the ball, while the other partner bumps it back to them.

3.) Have campers get with their partners and see how many times they can keep the ball in the air, by working together and using the bump hit.

4.) Have campers see how many times they can keep the ball in the air as a tribe.  (Everyone must touch the ball at least once.)

Bump/Setting Volleyball:

Split campers into two teams and have them play a volleyball game based upon setting and bumping hits only.  Make different variations as the game goes along such as adding more balls or having to make a certain number of passes before the ball goes over the net.

Sharks And Minnows: Two campers will be the taggers. (Sharks)  The rest of the campers will begin the game as (minnows) spread out in the playing area.  On the signal that the sharks give, the minnows begin to run to the opposite side of the playing field while avoiding the sharks.  If a shark tags a minnow, then they become frozen and turn into seaweed.  They are allowed to move their arms only and try to tag campers that run by them.  If seaweed tags a camper, then they too become seaweed.

Serve: Discuss the cues of a serve:

                                                -Non-dominant foot forward

                                                -Hold ball with non-dominant hand

                                                -Bend knees

                                                -Strike ball underhand with dominant hand/follow through

Serve Drills:

1.)    Have campers practice serving to themselves with balloons so they get the idea.

2.)    Have campers get with their partners and practice serving a volleyball back and forth

3.)    Make targets for campers and have them serve the ball and try to hit the target.  Come up with a point system so they can try and beat their scores.

Volleyball Game:

Split campers into two teams and have them play a volleyball game.  Once they get the hang of it, add another ball to increase participation (can also play Newcomb – campers catch the ball).

Plus One: Divide the campers into two teams. Arrange teams in formation on each side of the net, two groups at each net. A player serves the ball over the net. The receiving team must now play the ball twice before they may return the ball. The serving team must now play the ball three times before they are allowed to return the ball over the net. Play continues as each team forces the other side to "plus one" the previous achievement. Only the serving team scores points and players may not play the ball twice in succession. Players must take turns serving the ball.

Unvolleyball: The game of volleyball but with a few exceptions.  When a camper hits the ball over the net, he/she then runs under the net and becomes a member of the other team.  The object of the game is to see if all the players on both teams can exchange places.  All the other members try to help their teammates hit the ball over the net.

Blob Tag: Have campers get with their partners.  Have each pair hold hands and form a circle.  Designate one pair as the “blob.”  Without letting go of hands, running, or falling, the blob attempts to tag another pair.  When a pair is tagged, they then become part of the blob.  The blob continues to expand until all pairs are caught.  If any pair falls lets go of hands, or runs, they become part of the blob.  If the blob breaks up, lets go of hands, or anyone falls down, they must stop until the circle is re-formed.

Volleyball Game: Split campers into two teams and have them play a volleyball game.  Once they get the hang of it, add another ball to increase participation.

One-Bounce Ball: Same rules as regulation volleyball, but the ball is allowed to bounce once, before it needs to be hit.  The object of the game is to hit the ball over the net into the opponent’s court.  A team is given up to three hits to do this.

Back to the top

BASKETBALL

Pass the Ball Name Game: Have the campers get in a circle and pass the ball to one another by calling out their fellow camper’s name.  Have them call out their favorite food or TV show or thing to do at camp…

Dribbling: Discuss the cues to dribbling:

                        -Keep ball below the waist

                        -Use fingertips

                        -One hand only

                        -Keep head up

Ball Handling Drills: Each camper should have one ball to perform the following:

                                                -Slap ball back and forth using hands

-Move the ball around the head, waist, ankles

                                                -Right handed stationary dribble (high-medium-low)

                                                -Left handed stationary dribble (high-medium-low)       

                                                -Cross over stationary dribble

                                                -“V” dribble

                                                -Etc.

Dribbling Drills: Have campers perform the following:

                                    -Dribble length of court walking pace (using right/left hand)

                                    -Dribble length of court running pace (using right/left hand)

                                    -Dribble using cross over

                                    -Dribble around cones

Dribbling Relay: Divide campers into teams for relays

                                    -Dribble length of the court (using right/left hand)

                                    -Walk while moving ball around your waist, dribble back

                                    -Every three dribbles use a cross over

                                    -Over-under relay

Dribbling Knock Out: Each camper has his or her own basketball.  Their job is to knock people’s balls out of bounds as they dribble.  If a camper’s ball should get knocked out, then they have to dribble the ball five times in a row and then get back in the game.

Introduce Passing: Discuss the different types of passing

                                                -Bounce Pass

                                                -Chest Pass

                                                -Over the Head Pass

Passing Drills:                  

1.)    Have campers get with their partner, standing 10 feet away from each other.  They should go through the three types of passes.

2.)    Have campers get into groups of four and create a square.  Pass the ball around the square using different types of passing each time.

3.)    Have campers get into groups of three.  Two people become the passers, while the other one tries to take the ball away.  Switch roles.

Passing Game: Split campers into two teams.  Tell them they have to make 5 successful passes before shooting the ball.  Each completion of 5 successful passes is worth 1 point.  A made basket is worth 1 point as well.

Sharks and Minnows Tag: Two campers will be the taggers. (Sharks)  The rest of the campers will begin the game as (minnows) spread out in the playing area.  On the signal that the sharks give, the minnows begin to run to the opposite side of the playing field while avoiding the sharks.  If a shark tags a minnow, then they become frozen and turn into seaweed.  They are allowed to move their arms only and try to tag campers that run by them.  If seaweed tags a camper, then they too become seaweed.

Shooting: Discuss the different types of shots:

                                                -Lay-up

                                                -Jump/Set Shot

                                                -Foul Shot

Shooting Drills:                 

1.)    Split campers into two lines at half court.  One line shoots lay-ups, while the other line rebounds the ball.

2.)    Split the campers into teams and have them shoot jump/set shots.  The first team to make 10 shots, has to run to the middle of the court and the game will end.

3.)    Split campers into groups and have them practice foul shots.  Keep track of how many they make and see if they can continue to improve their score.

Mini Basketball Game:       

1.)    Split campers and counselors into two teams and have them play a mini game of basketball.

Defense: Discuss the correct stance and importance of defense:

                                                -Knees bent

                                                -Feet shoulder width apart

                                                -Bottom down

                                                -Head up/hands out to the side palms up

Defense Drills:

1.)    Have the campers line up on the end line with a partner.  Have one partner on the end line, while the other partner is on the court facing them with three feet of space in between them.  Have the partner on the end line move in different directions, while the other partner mirrors them by sliding backwards, while focusing on the cues of defense.

2.)    Now perform the same drill, but give the partner on the end line a basketball and have the dribble while their partner plays defense.

3.)    3 vs.2

Fruit Cocktail: Pick three campers to be it.  The rest of the campers line up on the end line.  The campers on the end line each get called a fruit.  The taggers have to decide on which fruit to call.  If the camper’s fruit gets called, then they have to run to the other end line without getting tagged.  If they get tagged, then they have to freeze and become jello.  Jello is allowed to tag campers running by as long as their feet are planted.  They are allowed to use their arms only.  If the taggers yell fruit cocktail, then all of the fruits have to run to the other end line.

Rebounding: Discuss the correct way to rebound the ball:

                                                -Knees bent

                                                -Feet shoulder width apart

                                                -Bottom down into player

                                                -Head up/arms above head to grab ball

Rebounding Drills:

1.)    Have campers get with a partner and take turns throwing the ball to each other and catching it in the air in proper rebounding position.

2.)    Have campers make two lines around the foul line area.  Throw the ball against the backboard and have the campers take turns boxing each other out.

Clam Free- Three campers are it.  If someone is to get tagged then they are frozen in the clam position. (Standing on one leg with arms overhead)  The only way for them to get unfrozen is if two campers join hands around them and shout out 1,2,3 clam free!  Then they can begin to run again.

Shooting Knock Out: (Campers are close to the net in a line) If a camper gets knocked out, then they can shoot around until the game is done.

Dribbling Knock Out: Campers are spread out on the court Each camper has his or her own basketball.  Their job is to knock people’s balls out of bounds as they dribble.  If a camper’s ball should get knocked out, then they have to dribble down one length of the court in order to get back in the game.

Back to the top

Helpful Hints for all sports:

When dividing the group into smaller teams or sub-groups:

Use the names of fruits or cars, or action heroes to make the teams

“Example:  All strawberries over with Lisa and all Lemons over with me…”

Use fun voice commands to get the campers to stop and start the activities

Example:  “When I say English Muffin you go…When you hear Banana Bread you freeze and get control of your ball”

Start each sports period with an introduction and review of what they did the week prior.

as well as a game/warm-up.  The warm-up doesn’t have to incorporate the sport you are working on that period – just do something fun to get their blood flowing and energy level up.  Use instructions and word commands to get them used to following instructions.

End each period with a wrap up to review what they learned about