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Age-appropriate off-ice coordination / Off ice

Partner bounce window

Send a predictable one-bounce pass and prepare both hands to catch it after the bounce.

6U · 8U · 10UBeginner5 minutes2–2 players
Original drill diagram
Partner bounce window: player positions and movement 12
Side-view sequence, not an overhead route: 1 sends a ball down to the floor-tape target, then it rises to 2. The dot marks the floor-tape bounce target; only one ball is used. Dashed segments represent ball travel. Original schematic; not to scale. Circles with numbers or letters mark players. Other markers and arrows are explained in the caption; some diagrams show puck or ball movement instead of skating. Red arrows show shots. Follow the written setup for spacing.

How to run it

Equipment: Soft ball, Floor tape

  1. Two partners stand about 6 feet apart with a soft ball that bounces. Place a short strip of floor tape halfway between them as the bounce target. Use hands only.
  2. Player 1 gently sends the ball down toward the tape so it bounces once toward player 2. Player 2 watches it through the bounce and catches with both hands.
  3. Player 2 holds the catch for one count, then returns the same one-bounce pass. Adjust the bounce force until catches arrive between waist and chest height.
  4. Complete eight passes, rest, and discuss whether misses came from the bounce location or the catch. Make three short sets within five minutes.
  5. Count catches made after exactly one bounce without either player chasing. A missed catch does not count; keep the successful catches already recorded for the set.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Bounce, watch, gather.” Keep the ball visible until the hands close around it.
  • A predictable pass gives the receiver a chance to prepare.
  • Let the elbows bend slightly as the ball arrives rather than meeting it with stiff arms.

Common mistakes

  • Ball bounces over the receiver. Try: reduce the force and aim at the same tape spot.
  • Ball bounces twice. Try: bring the partners a step closer.
  • Receiver reaches before seeing the bounce. Try: wait with hands ready and track the full path.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: use a larger soft ball and shorten the distance to 4 feet.
  • Harder: the receiver takes one small side step before the return, and the passer adjusts the bounce spot.
Research context & source notes

Background sources for this drill’s skills and teaching principles.

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More age-appropriate off-ice coordination drills · Development guides