BALL GAMES FOR TODDLERS

ROLL THE BALL TO YOUR CHILD

This helps with visual tracking, sitting balance, anticipation and controlled reach and grasp.

This can be done with any size ball and babies and toddlers will enjoy the exposure to different sizes and textures of balls coming their way. A beach ball for this age is really fun and easy to roll and catch.

POSTING BALLS

Posting balls is not just a game for babies and younger toddlers. As baby grows, use a smaller ball and a smaller hole for posting. This will help with eye-hand coordination and spatial planning.

Think about using balls of different sizes and textures.

Use items such as furry craft balls, bouncing balls and rolled-up plastic bags or rolled-up newspaper in netting. The more texture, weight and size variety the child experiences, the more refined their hand skills become.

DEVELOP CONFIDENCE AND SKILL

When practising throwing and catching, start by standing very close and using a soccer-sized ball. As your toddler gains skill, move back slightly. First and foremost, support your child and try not to rush standing across the room for throw and catch. Allow your child to master the skill and feel confident before moving further away.

USE BALLOONS INSTEAD OF BALLS

Balloons are useful in developing skill as they move slowly and are not as hard as balls, which may be more forgiving while learning to visually track a moving object. You can throw and catch balloons, bat and kick balloons. Never leave your child on his own with a balloon.

BEAN BAGS

Bean bags are great for learning to throw and catch. The weight of the bean bag provides proprioceptive (deep pressure) feedback, which helps your toddler orientate their movements in space. They also don’t roll away so they work well for target practice.

KICKING

Start by kicking a still ball and not aiming at a target. You can then move to kicking a stationary ball at a target and then eventually running around dribbling or kicking a ball. Start with larger balls to ensure success.