Abstract: The present inventions relate to a method of practicing reflex skills in catching a ball rebounding from the ground wherein the method includes the use of a ball attached to one end of a resilient tether with a handle attached to the second end of the tether. The length of the tether between the ball and the handle is about 2 to 5 feet to permit the ball to be swung by a user of the device in a generally vertical circular motion and thereafter to strike the ground such that the rebound characteristic of the ball and the resiliency of the tether cooperate to cause the ball to rebound toward the user in imitation of the hop of a ball being fielded in the game of baseball.