Over the Net: Sending and Receiving Basics

In many games, you need to do two main things:Sending: This is when you throw, strike, or push an object towards a target or over a net. Think about tossing a beanbag or tapping a balloon.Receiving: This is when you catch, stop, or control an object that is coming towards you. Think about getting ready to tap the balloon back.Learning to do both well helps you play with friends, improve your hand-eye coordination, and have a lot more fun!

This is a great way to practice sending and receiving with something light and slow.Get a partner and a balloon. Find a space and imagine a net between you (a piece of yarn or a line on the floor works great).Start in a 'Ready Position'. Stand with your knees slightly bent and your hands up, ready to move.Send the balloon. The first player gently taps the balloon up and over the 'net' to their partner. Use your fingertips for a soft touch! This is called an underhand send.Receive and send back. The partner moves their feet to get under the balloon and gently taps it back over.Keep a rally going! See how many times you can send it back and forth without the balloon touching the ground.

This game helps you practice aiming and controlling your power.Set up a target. Place a hula hoop or a piece of paper on the ground about 5-10 steps away from you. Put a low 'net' (like a shoe or a book) in the middle.Get your beanbags. Stand behind a starting line.Send with a toss. Use an underhand toss to send the beanbag over the 'net' and try to land it inside the target.Think about power. Did it go too far? Not far enough? Try again and change how much power you use in your toss. This is all about sending the object to a specific spot.