Throwing a ball is a complex skill that develops over time. Read on for more information about the typical development of throwing skills and fun activities to improve throwing.
Why is throwing important?
Throwing strengthens several key areas of development, including:
- Integrated Movement
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Learning About Gravity
- Bilateral Skills
- Visual Perception and Control
- Fitness and Health
- Social Skills
Typical progression of Skills
Around 12 Months – Begins experimenting with throwing, often throwing food down from high chair
14 months- Can throw a ball overhead
2 years old- Able to throw a ball at least 3 feet in the air
3-5 years old- Begins to use a dominate hand to throw
Advancing Throwing Skills
If your child is having difficulty coordinating throwing overhand you can cue them to bring the ball close to their ear and then push it forwards.
Step and Throw
Once they have mastered throwing overhand you could introduce stepping forwards before throwing:
- Start with feet together
- Place ball by ear
- Step forwards with opposite foot
- Throw the ball (verbal cue can be to push the ball forwards)
Target Practice
Place a target on the wall (piece of paper, or taped square) and have them practice throwing the ball against the target. Start 3ft away from the wall and then move back 4ft, 5ft, 6ft.
Introducing Variability
Move side to side to have your child throw the ball towards you in different positions.
Try throwing with different types of balls.
