Ball Skills Practice
To develop hand-eye coordination and ball control through structured practice.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Throws with increasing accuracy
- Catches larger balls
- Kicks with direction
- Shows improving hand-eye coordination
Materials
- Balls of various sizes
- Targets and goals
- Catching nets and baskets
- Clear outdoor space
Instructions
STARTING WITH SUCCESS: Begin with activities children can succeed at. Large balls are easier to catch than small. Short throws are easier than long. Rolled balls are easier to stop than thrown. Build confidence first.
TEACHING THROWING: Demonstrate throwing technique: 'Stand side-on, arm back, look at your target, step forward as you throw.' Practice at targets—buckets, hoops on the ground, large goals. 'Aim for the target!'
TEACHING CATCHING: Start by dropping a ball for the child to catch. Then throw gently from close range. Teach 'ready position': hands up, fingers spread, eyes on the ball. 'Watch the ball all the way into your hands!'
PROGRESSING GRADUALLY: Once basic skills are established, make it harder: smaller balls, longer distances, moving targets. But always ensure 80% success—if children fail too often, they lose motivation.
TEACHING KICKING: Practice kicking stationary balls first. Teach to look at the ball, kick with the instep (laces), follow through. Then progress to moving balls. Set up goals to aim at.
TEACHING BOUNCING: Start with two-handed bouncing (pushing ball down). Progress to one-handed dribbling. Practice catching the bounce. 'Push it down, catch it up!'
USING GAMES: Turn practice into games: 'How many can you throw in the bucket in 10 tries?' 'Can we pass back and forth 5 times without dropping?' 'Score a goal and do a celebration!'
PRACTICING REGULARLY: Ball skills need regular practice. Include them in outdoor play daily. Skills develop through repetition. 'Let's see how much better you are this week than last week!'