What would you have done?

[Adam]

Options, in order of my personal preference.

1. Tap it back with non-counting arm and keep the visible count going.
2. Tap it back with the counting arm, and continue counting in your head. At most, you'll miss one arm swing. Easily explained if someone's reviewing the tape later.
3. Tap it back with the counting arm, suspending the count just long enough to tap the ball.
4. Let it hit you in the chest and drop to the floor as you back a step away. Keep counting.
5. Dodge it, keep counting.
6. Catch it, throw it back, and start the count over.