Bowling Over My Head
Parent sets up bowling pins (or water bottles) and guides child to throw a ball over their head using both hands to knock them down. The agent coaches the parent to observe whole-arm coordination, overhand throwing mechanics, and balance during forward bending — building gross motor skills and coordination.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear space for throwing. Set up 3-5 bowling pins (water bottles, plastic cups, or actual pins) about 6-8 feet away from throwing line. Have a soft ball (8-10 inches diameter) ready. Child should be wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
How it works
- 1~45s
Start by showing your child how to hold the ball with both hands. Have them lift the ball up and back over their head — like they's reaching back to touch their own back. Then ask them to throw it forward toward the pins. Watch closely: does your child use both arms together? Does they bring the ball back over their head before releasing it? Tell me what you notice about their throwing motion.
Watch for: Child throws ball over head using both hands with coordinated arm motion.
- 2~40s
Now let's focus on what happens after the throw. When the ball lands, ask your child to walk over and pick it up. Watch how they bends down — does they bend at the knees and hips while keeping balance? Or does they just reach down without bending their legs? After picking up the ball, does they stand back up smoothly without wobbling?
Watch for: Child bends forward to pick up ball while maintaining balance, using leg and hip coordination.
- 3~60s
Let's play a few more rounds with turn-taking. After your child throws, you take a turn, then your child goes again. Watch for coordination between throws — does your child reset their stance each time? Does they use consistent two-handed technique? Also notice if they starts to aim more intentionally after seeing which pins remain. The repetition helps build muscle memory.
Watch for: Child uses both hands together in coordinated throwing pattern across multiple attempts.