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Big movement

First Ball Kick

Toddler practises walking up to a still ball and kicking it forward, coordinating balance and aim.

Cartoon illustration of a parent and child at home doing First Ball Kick.
  • Age15 months to 2 years
  • Time5 to 15 minutes
  • EnergyActive
  • CostFree
  • WhereIndoors or out
  • PrepNone

Your toddler walks up to a still ball and kicks it forward, an early big-movement skill that pulls together balance, aim, and coordination.

How to do it

  1. Set a light ball still on the floor in an open space.
  2. Show your toddler once how to walk up and kick the ball forward.
  3. Let them walk to the ball and try their own kick.
  4. Fetch the ball, set it still again, and let them line up for another go.
  5. Repeat as many times as they like, cheering each attempt.

What you need

  • Ball
  • Open space

Signs it is working

Your toddler walks up to the ball and swings a foot at it. The ball moves, even a little. They chase after it or ask to do it again

If it is not quite clicking

They miss the ball: Use a bigger, lighter one that is easier to connect with. They lose balance kicking: Let them hold your hand for the first kicks. They would rather throw or carry the ball: Let them; kicking will come

Make it yours

Younger (12-15mo): Let them walk into the ball to nudge it rather than a true kick. Older (2-3y): Roll the ball slowly for them to kick, or aim at a soft target. Siblings: Take turns kicking the ball back and forth

Try this with your child.

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