—11 minOutdoorFree playFamily time
Big Ball Hug Catch
A short, playful catching routine that helps your child practise a two-handed "hug catch" from close range, tracking the ball and staying engaged after misses with support from you.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a large soft ball (or a pillowcase stuffed with rolled socks)
- a clear space indoors or outdoors
Nice to have
- a laundry basket/box (for a catch-and-drop game)
- masking tape/chalk (to mark a start line)
- a second soft ball (to keep turns quick)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCatches a large thrown ballBody· 2.7y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneShows increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneCatches after a bounceBody· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Can catch a large ball.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can stand momentarily on one foot when shown.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Runs skilfully and negotiates space successfully, adjusting speed or direction to avoid obstacles.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct