In athletic stance, face partner standing two to four yards away and holding a deck of cards. Your partner begins the drill by tossing cards toward you, one at a time. Catch as many cards as possible for a preset number of throws. Set a goal for catches before each set. For example, aim to catch 12 of 20 cards thrown.

Progressions

Level I: Use both hands to catch cards.

Level II: Use only one hand to catch cards. Perform 10 attempts with the right hand, then switch.

Level III*: Have partner quiz you as he tosses the cards. Questions can relate to anything: training methods, music, sports, school subjects, general knowledge. For example, “What’s your favorite play to run?” or “What color is your kitchen?”

*Level III forces you to think about something unrelated to the skill being performed, which improves left-brain functioning.

Benefits: Improves reaction time, especially when you’re fatigued; keeps mind and body moving quickly; builds mental sharpness, which allows you to maintain top speed and agility late in the game.

Coaching Point: Running your feet between throws increases the conditioning aspect of the drill and teaches you to react on the fly.