# Strike the Ball

## Overview
This chapter introduces students to the skills of **striking** and **receiving** a ball using a bat or stick, as commonly done in sports like cricket and hockey. Through guided techniques and fun activities, students develop their **hand-eye coordination**, **timing**, **focus**, and **body control**.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Striking the Ball with a Bat
- **Stance**: Stand sideways with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- **Grip**: Dominant hand on top, non-dominant hand below.
- **Hitting Motion**: Step forward, swing bat while rotating shoulders and hips. Keep eyes on the ball.
- **Follow-Through**: Extend arms and swing bat fully around the body ending above the non-dominant shoulder.

**Objective**: Develop the proper technique for striking the ball using correct stance, grip, motion, and follow-through.

### 2. Receiving the Ball with a Stick
- **Stance**: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, face the ball.
- **Grip**: Hold stick gently with both hands.
- **Anticipation**: Predict the ball’s path and align body.
- **Receiving**: Keep hands soft and yield on impact to absorb force.

**Objective**: Learn how to receive the ball safely and effectively using proper posture and gentle hand movements.

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## Activities and Games

### BM 13: Strike the Balloon
- **Activity**: Throw and strike balloons using fingertips; keep them from touching the ground.
- **Team Play**: Keep multiple balloons in air with teamwork.
- **Variations**: Pair up for rallies, or blow air instead of hitting.
- **Purpose**: Improve hand-eye coordination and timing.

### BM 14: Body and Balloon
- **Activity**: Strike the balloon using different body parts like head, chest, or thigh.
- **Team Play**: Team that keeps balloon aloft longest wins.
- **Purpose**: Develop focus, anticipation, and body control.

### BM 15: Soft Ball Control
- **Setup**: Cones placed randomly.
- **Activity**: Push soft ball through cones using a stick.
- **Variations**: Follow directional cues (e.g., turn left).
- **Purpose**: Build wrist strength and control of motion.

### BM 16: Playing Pass
- **Setup**: Partners stand facing each other.
- **Activity**: Pass and receive the soft ball with a stick.
- **Variations**: Use different balls or equipment.
- **Purpose**: Enhance coordination and anticipation of ball movement.

### BM 17: Scoop in the Square
- **Setup**: Squares at intervals; teams take turns scooping balls into them.
- **Activity**: Each player aims for the next square; continue till one misses.
- **Variations**: Use different shapes or overlapping squares.
- **Purpose**: Builds confidence through targeted scooping success.

### BM 18: Receiving with Stick
- **Setup**: Pairs stand apart.
- **Activity**: One throws ball away from partner who must run and receive it.
- **Variations**: Random ball direction to increase difficulty.
- **Purpose**: Boosts concentration, reaction time, and receiving skills.

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## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Simple Definition |
|-------------------|------------------|
| Stance | The way you stand when playing a sport. |
| Grip | How you hold the bat or stick. |
| Follow-through | The motion after hitting the ball. |
| Anticipate | To guess or expect something before it happens. |
| Coordination | Using hands, eyes, and body parts together smoothly. |
| Trajectory | The path something (like a ball) follows when moving. |
| Scoop | To lift or pick something up using a curved motion. |
| Yield | To move slightly backward or give way gently. |
| Reaction time | How fast you respond to something. |
| Focus | The ability to concentrate or pay close attention. |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)
1. **What is the correct way to hold the bat while striking the ball?**
**Answer**: Dominant hand on top, non-dominant hand at the bottom.

2. **Name two body parts you can use to hit the balloon in the Body and Balloon game.**
**Answer**: Head, shoulder.

3. **Why should your knees be slightly bent while receiving the ball?**
**Answer**: To stay balanced and ready to move.

### Medium (2)
4. **What is the purpose of the "Soft Ball Control" activity?**
**Answer**: To build control and strength in wrists and fingers.

5. **Explain how "Playing Pass" improves body coordination.**
**Answer**: It helps coordinate movement between eyes, hands, and body while receiving and passing.

### Difficult (3)
6. **What is the importance of follow-through in striking a ball?**
**Answer**: It ensures complete and powerful movement, helping to direct the ball better.

7. **Describe the role of anticipation in receiving the ball.**
**Answer**: Anticipation helps predict where the ball will go so you can position your body correctly to receive it.

8. **Why is “Scoop in the Square” important for building confidence?**
**Answer**: Repeatedly scooping the ball into the correct square helps players feel successful and improves their accuracy.

### Very Difficult (2)
9. **How does the game "Receiving with Stick" develop reaction time and transfer of training?**
**Answer**: By requiring players to move quickly to catch the ball, it sharpens their reflexes and applies skills learned to new situations.

10. **Why is it important to yield slightly when receiving a fast-moving ball?**
**Answer**: To reduce the impact and gain better control of the ball.

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