Bowling Overhead
Parent sets up bowling pins (or water bottles) and takes turns with child throwing a ball overhead to knock them down. The agent coaches the parent to observe whole-arm coordination, weight shifting during throwing, and catching readiness — building foundational throwing mechanics and turn-taking skills.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear play space indoors or outdoors. 8 bowling pins or water bottles set up in a triangle formation. Medium-sized ball (beach ball or playground ball) that child can grip with both hands. Parent and child positioned a few steps away from pins.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start by showing your child how it's done. Take the ball with both hands, lift it up over your head, and throw it toward the pins. Make sure your child can see your whole motion. Now give your child the ball and say 'Your turn! Try throwing it over your head like this.' Watch closely as they prepares to throw — does your child lift the ball up over their head with both hands? Tell me what you notice about their starting position.
Watch for: Child positions ball overhead with both hands before initiating throw, showing basic overhand throwing mechanics.
- 2~35s
Now watch your child's next throw carefully. Pay attention to their whole body, not just their arms. Does your child shift their weight from back foot to front foot as they throws? Does they step forward or use their torso to help aim? These whole-body movements show your child is developing coordinated throwing mechanics. What do you notice?
Watch for: Child shifts weight or steps forward during throw, using body momentum to aid throwing power and accuracy.
- 3~40s
Let's practice taking turns for a few rounds. After you throw, roll or bounce the ball back to your child gently. Watch how your child prepares to catch — does they get into a ready position with arms out? Does they track the ball with their eyes and adjust their body? Also notice the turn-taking itself — does your child wait patiently for your turn and understand the back-and-forth rhythm?
Watch for: Child shows preparatory movements for catching — arms extended, eyes tracking ball, body positioning for reception.