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Ball Catch and Throw

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Ball Catch and Throw

Description

Toss a soft ball back and forth with your child, starting very close together and moving further apart as they get comfortable. Use gentle underhand throws and celebrate every catch. Works indoors with a foam ball or outdoors with any soft ball.

What to prep

  • soft_ball
  • play_space
Cost: FreeBest time: Anytime

Play guide

  1. 1Start close together - about 4-5 feet apart. Use a soft foam ball or a large rubber ball.
  2. 2Throw gently underhand to your child, aiming for chest height so they don't have to reach up or down.
  3. 3When they catch it, wait for them to throw back. Encourage them to use both hands for catching.
  4. 4After several successful catches, take one step back each. Continue moving back as long as catches are comfortable.
  5. 5If a miss makes the game feel frustrating, move one step closer - success matters more than distance.

Success signals

Your child moves their hands toward the ball rather than waiting for it to hit them. Your child catches at least some throws at the current distance. Your child asks to move further back when they feel confident

If it's tricky

Child consistently catches with their arms rather than their hands: Gently coach "hands ready like a cup" before each throw - no more than one coaching comment per round. Throws go off-course frequently: Use a larger ball (bigger target is easier for both catching and throwing) or move closer. Child is only interested in throwing and not catching: Play a round of rolling instead - keep it moving and return to catch when interest resets.