Ball Skills

Ball Skills

Ball skills refer to the ability to control a ball using different parts of the body. This may include basic actions such as throwing, catching, kicking, and rolling, which are fundamental for many sports and physical activities. Practicing with balls helps children develop hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and overall physical fitness​. Fortunately, ball skills are easy to practice both at home and at preschool. Here are some activities and techniques that will help young children develop the fundamental skills needed for throwing and catching balls in a fun and engaging way. ​

• Teach children how to throw underhand first, which can be easier for them to control.  

• Bean bags are excellent for beginners because they are easy to grasp and throw, and they don’t bounce away if dropped. This can help children focus on the motion of throwing and catching without chasing after the ball. 
• Set up simple targets like a hula hoop or large bin and encourage children to throw bean bags into them. This helps improve their aim and eye-hand coordination. 
• As children become more proficient, gradually increase the difficulty by using smaller balls, standing farther apart, or introducing different types of throws and catches.
• If your child struggles to catch a ball, first practice with a balloon or small, inflated beach ball.  They can watch the item more carefully as it moves toward them and the light weight will make it much easier to catch as it moves more slowly through the air. 

Some Benefits of Ball Play:

• Practicing throwing and catching balls helps improve eye-hand coordination as children learn to track the timing and movement of the ball. 
• Regular practice with balls helps improve overall strength and coordination throughout the shoulders, arms, and core which support a child’s overall physical development. 
• Playing catch or participating in group games involving throwing and catching supports social skill development that is critical for cooperation, social interaction, and communication among children.