If you’re a therapist, working on ball skills is definitely part of the job description! Luckily, it happens to be one of the most fun aspects of our job! In this post, you’ll find some of our favorite ways to work on ball skills with kids!
One of the best things about being a pediatric physical therapist is that if a child refuses to do an activity, there is ALWAYS another playful approach to achieve the same targeted skill practice. That being said, there are typically a few kiddos who are only motivated by one particular piece of equipment or modality. These little ones can be a challenge because it isn’t always easy to find different ways to change up a specific toy.
Recently, a little friend on my preschool caseload decided he was really into balls. Yoga balls, little balls, squishy balls, you name it! As long as there is a ball involved, he will participate in the therapy session.
Here are some of our best blogs on how to play with this favorite round object and how to work on ball skills with kids – including free printables!
Working on Ball Skills With Kids
Teaching Kids How to Catch a Ball & Throw [FREE PRINTABLE]
In this post, we provide all of the tips you need to help kids learn how to catch a ball and throw it, too!
We’ve also included information about the developmental progression of catching a ball along with a free printable of fun ways to practice ball skills.
Teaching Kids How to Kick a Ball
Teaching kids how to kick a ball is a breeze with these quick tips. And you’ll learn more about the developmental progression of kicking, including the ages that kids gain different skills that build toward kicking a ball.
Squishy Ball Listening Game
This fun and simple stress ball activity requires no supplies except for a small squishy ball targets body awareness and sequencing.
Use a Playground Ball to Strengthen the Core [FREE PRINTABLE]
Another free printable is available in this post to show you the best ways to strengthen the core using a simple playground ball. The best part…the kids will never realize how hard they are working when they’re playing with their favorite object!
Exercise Ball Activities for Kids
These fun therapy ball exercises and activities for kids require only two simple things – an exercise ball and some space to play!
Zoom Ball Games
This one isn’t your traditional ball but it is always one of kids’ favorite items in a therapist’s bag — the Zoom Ball! Check out our favorite Zoom Ball games!
Best Balls for Toddlers and Kids
Ever wonder what the best balls for toddlers, preschoolers and school age kids are? We’ve got you covered with this list of our favs that are perfect for working on all kinds of ball skills!
Basketball Games & Activities for Kids [FREE PRINTABLE]
Basketball is a favorite sport of many kids, but shooting that big, heavy ball can be tricky! In this post, we provide tips for breaking this skill down over a period of 10 days with fun basketball games, exercises, and activities. Kids will be excited to master this skill for all of those basketball games at school during recess and in the gym!
Ball Skills for Kids: Tennis Ball Target Practice
If you’re looking for fun and easy ways to work on rolling or kicking a ball, this post about practicing ball skills for kids using a tennis ball target is for you!
