Requirements
- Open outdoor space
- Regulation baseball or children’s softball (10 inch and 11 inch)
- Standard leather baseball gloves
Instructions
- In an open area without obstructions, throw gently overhand and play catch with your child.
- Start with short distances such as 3-5 metres apart.
- Increase to longer distances of 8-10 metres as your child’s catching improves.
- Show your child how to stand ready, with glove in the air, feet slightly apart, and ready to move side-to-side to catch.
Variations
- Increase the speed and force of your throws only as your child gains confidence and consistency in catching
- Try using an object as a “home plate” (e.g. jacket, sweater, piece of cardboard or wood) – stand behind it and encourage your child to “pitch” accurately to you from 10-12 metres away
Benefits
This activity develops coordination of arms and torso, fine motor control, and the ability to “read” distances. These skills transfer to sports and activities that involve throwing an object accurately over a perceived distance (e.g., balls, frisbees, ribbons, sticks, batons).
