Activities For Throwball Players With Dogs
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Introduction
If you are an avid throwball player, you know how important it is to practice your sport frequently. You want to be sure to continue to develop your throwball skills without getting rusty! However, spending a lot of time on a throwball court may interrupt the time you spend with your dog. That wouldn't make for a happy pup! You likely wish there was a way to incorporate throwball with your dog. Well, now there is! Read on for fun throwball activities you can do with your dog by your side.
Constant Fetch
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Multiple tennis balls
Activity description
Throwball is based around being able to throw a ball quickly, accurately and with a good amount of force. Know what other game would benefit from the ability to throw a ball fast, with precision and with force? Fetch! Every dog's favorite game! While the ball may be a little different than a throwball, the main idea is still there - throw a ball far and fast. Playing fetch with your dog will also help you improve your throw while spending time with that tail wagging dog! Head outside to play this game of constant fetch the next time it is nice and sunny.
Step
1
Nice flat fIeld
Find a place nearby where you and your dog can have a great game of constant fetch. Look for a place with a lot of open space so you will be able to throw the ball far. If possible, try to find a fenced-in area so you don't have to worry about your pup running away. Once you find a good place to play, bring your dog and get ready to have fun!
Step
2
The throw
Throwing a tennis ball and a throwball may feel very different not only due to the size difference between the balls but also because of the weight difference. However, you can still practice good form, throwing with the palm of your hand and putting a good amount of force behind each throw. Throw the tennis ball forward and upward, as if you were hurling it over a throwball net, and let your dog run to retrieve it!
Step
3
Throw again
In throwball, you only have three seconds from when the ball touches your hand to when it leaves your palm. After you throw the first tennis ball for your dog, pick up another ball, wait three seconds then throw another ball. Then another ball three seconds later and another....you get the idea. Not only will this help your throwball speed but your dog will go crazy over the abundance of tennis balls.
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Push and Pass
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Any Day
Free
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Throwball
Dog Treats
Activity description
Having good, strong wrists is very important in a game of throwball. Your wrists will provide power when throwing a ball and stability when you catch a ball. Developing wrist strength is essential to ensure that your throwball game improves. It is also something that your dog can help you with. This fun activity will seem like just a game to your dog but, as you play, you will be working on improving your wrists and, therefore, your throwball game. This activity can be done any time as it is can be done inside or outside and it is also essentially free, just costing the price of a throwball!
Step
1
Get ready
Grab your throwball and your dog and sit down on a flat floor or the ground (if you happen to be outside). Place the throwball down on the ground and let your dog sniff it as you gently push it back and forth, letting them get excited about the idea of playing with a ball! Have your dog sit down in front of you and stay.
Step
2
Pass
Stretch your legs out to each side so you are sitting in a V position and place the throwball between your legs. Then, push the ball quickly away from you toward your dog. Encourage your dog to push the ball back to you, tossing a treat when they successfully return it. Then, push the ball again, leaning as far forward as possible as you push.
Step
3
Repeat
Continue to push the ball, stretching your body forward to improve your flexibility and putting as much force behind the ball as you can in order to increase your wrist strength. Make sure your pup is playing along, bringing the ball back to you every time and getting a nice reward as well! This is a perfect way to improve your throwball game while also entertaining your dog!
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Lunges
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Hand Weights
Dog Treats
Activity description
While you may think that throwball is all about upper body strength and your ability to throw a ball forcefully, it is also very important to develop your lower body strength to improve your game. A lot of your throwing power comes from pushing your body upward, using your legs, to toss the ball. You can work on your leg strength but doing lunges frequently and with added weight. Your dog can help you too! Your dog will be dying to play this game, no matter what the weather, especially when they see that nice bowl of treats you will be using!
Step
1
Time to lunge
Get a nice bowl of your dog's favorite treats and then call your pup over (maybe give them one treat for just being so loveable). Stand facing your dog and have them sit. Place the treats on the ground between you and your pup and tell them not to touch the treats. This game is clearly also a great training tool!
Step
2
Lunge and treat
Take one step forward and bend your back knee so it touches the ground. Grab a treat from the bowl and stand up. Toss it to your pup and say "one". Then, step forward with the other leg, touch your back knee to he ground, grab a treat, stand up and say "two". Continue with your lunges until all the treats are gone.
Step
3
Added weight
To make the lunges a little more challenging, hold 5-pound hand weights in each hand as you lunge. When you step forward, place the weights down on the ground next to the treat bowl and pick up a treat instead. On the next lunge, pick up the weights instead of the treats. This will make your workout a little more challenging and keep your dog waiting for the treat turn!
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More Fun Ideas...
Study Session
One way to improve your throwball game is to watch videos of others playing. Curl up with your pup and see how professional throwball players toss the ball and take notes on their technique.
Court Laps
Bring your dog to a throwball court and run a few laps with your companion alongside around the outside of the court. While throwball doesn't require much running, your game will definitely benefit from being in shape and your dog will love their court runs.
Conclusion
Throwball may not seem like a sport fit for dogs. After all, a dog can't really throw a ball over a net! However, as you can see, there are plenty of ways your dog can help you to improve your throwball game. From running around the court with you to helping you get stronger and more fit for the sport, your pup will be there, by your side, every throw of the way! Throwball will be their new favorite game.