Catching
Catching is a fun skill that helps children develop hand eye coordination, motor planning, balance, visual tracking, and depth perception. It also creates opportunities for turn taking, reciprocal play, and learning from peers.
Catching Milestones
Children develop catching skills gradually, moving from using their whole body to secure a ball toward catching with their hands alone.
- 6–13 months: In sitting, begins to corral a rolling ball with arms and/or hands.
- 20–30 months: Attempts to catch a ball tossed from about 5 feet by bringing extended arms toward the chest.
- 30–40 months: Catches a ball from about 5 feet with arms extended.
- 40–50 months: Catches a ball with hands and arms bent at the elbows.
- 50–60 months: Catches a tennis ball from about 5 feet using hands only on 2 of 3 trials.
- 62–72 months: Bounces and catches a tennis ball on 2 of 3 trials.
As with all developmental milestones, children may develop these skills at different rates.
Tips to Teach Children to Catch
Start with Rolling
Rolling is a great first step toward catching. Have your child sit with their legs open and gently roll a ball toward them. Encourage them to use their hands and arms to stop and secure the ball.
Rolling helps children practice visual tracking, hand-eye coordination, and cause and effect.
A large therapy ball can be especially helpful at first because it provides a bigger visual target and more sensory input.
As your child becomes more comfortable, progress to smaller balls. An easy-to-grip ball, such as an O-ball, can be a great option for little hands.
Practice with a Balloon
A balloon gives children extra time to watch, track, and anticipate a moving object before trying to catch it.
Start by gently batting or tossing the balloon toward your child. As they become more comfortable, take turns batting the balloon back and forth and gradually increase the speed.
Adding a net can turn this into a fun game of balloon volleyball while continuing to practice visual tracking and hand-eye coordination.
Choose Easy-to-Grip Balls
Balls designed for little hands can make catching more successful and motivating. Look for balls with handles, holes, or textured surfaces that make them easier to grasp.
Once your child is comfortable catching an easy to grip ball, gradually progress to a more traditional ball.
Try Velcro Paddles
Velcro paddles allow children to practice the timing and body positioning needed for catching without requiring precise hand coordination.
Start by standing close to your child and gently tossing the ball directly toward the paddle. As your child becomes more successful, encourage them to move their body or paddle toward the ball.
Catch with a Cone
A colorful cone provides a larger target and can make catching feel more achievable for young children. Start with two hands on the cone, then progress to catching with one hand as your child develops strength, coordination, and confidence.
Keep it Fun
Catching takes practice! Start with a large, slow moving object and gradually make the activity more challenging as your child becomes successful. Short, playful practice is often more effective than trying to perfect the skill all at once.
The goal is to help your child build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment of movement, one catch at a time!
For more fun with ball play skills, check out Teaching Children to Throw here!
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