Objectives

Work on hand/eye coordination by bouncing and catching a ball while adding in other activities.

Needs

A Ball (one that bounces is preferred)

Set Up

Find some open space with your ball.

Directions

Bounce the Ball Down

  1. First, begin by just bouncing the ball on the ground and catching it. Practice this as many times as needed until your child feels confident to go to the next step.
  2. Next, have your child bounce the ball down and try to clap once before catching the ball.
  3. After clapping, try to bounce the ball and jump once
  4. Lastly, let your child pick out another action do to before they need to catch the ball again

Throw the Ball Up

  1. Throw the ball upward and work on catching it with both hands.
  2. Next, instead of bouncing the ball, throw the ball upward in the air and clap once before catching it.
  3. Now, try to throw the ball upward and jump once before catching the ball.
  4. Lastly, let your child think of another action to do before catching the ball.

Throughout this activity, work with your child about where it is best to look as they do the other activity. Should they focus on the other activity or should they watch the ball? Where should their hands be when they are ready to catch the ball?

Children will want to keep their eyes on the ball to ensure they can catch it and work to get their hands under the ball. This will help them control the ball as they work to catch it.

**Missing equipment, no problem! If you do not have a ball or your ball does not bounce, focus on tossing another object up in the air. It could be a stuffed animal or a rolled-up pair of socks.