Observe whether the child: can catch a large ball.
What it looks like
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Emerging
Just starting
The child sometimes traps a large ball against their body, especially when it is rolled slowly or gently bounced. Success is inconsistent and depends on very short distance and predictable throws.
What you might see
When a ball is rolled toward them, they watch it pass or kick it away instead of trying to catch.
When a ball is gently tossed, they turn their head/shoulders away or close eyes and let it hit and drop.
They hold arms stiffly at sides and do not bring hands together to receive the ball.
Traps a slowly rolled ball by hugging it to their tummy in 1 of several attempts.
Catches only when the adult places the ball into their hands (minimal tracking).
Reaches late for a gentle toss; sometimes touches the ball but it drops.
Expected
On track
The child can catch a large ball in supported conditions (close distance, gentle underarm throw), often using two hands and a "hug" catch. They attempt to adjust hands toward the ball, though timing is still developing.
What you might see
Catches a large ball from very close range (1–2 steps away) using two hands and a body trap.
Moves hands toward an incoming roll and stops it against their body.
After a miss, tries again without disengaging from the game.
Exceeding
Going further
The child reliably catches a large ball from a short distance with two hands, adjusting position and hands to meet the ball. They can repeat catches in simple games and recover after misses.
What you might see
Catches a large ball thrown gently from a short distance in most attempts.
Sets "ready hands" (hands in front) when the ball is coming without being reminded.
Catches after a single bounce, then returns the ball to a partner.
Catches and immediately throws/rolls back as part of a simple back-and-forth game.
Adjusts position (steps sideways/forward) to get in front of the ball before catching.
Shows another child how to hold hands ready and "watch the ball" during catching.
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
Rolling catch: sit facing your child and roll a large soft ball gently. Watch whether they bring both hands together to stop and hold it.
Laundry basket game: have your child catch a large ball and then drop it into a basket. Notice whether they can catch and keep hold long enough to aim.
Story break: during a story, pause and do 3 gentle tosses. Observe whether your child sets their hands ready and tracks the ball with eyes.
Outdoor bounce: gently bounce a large ball once toward your child. Notice whether they can catch after the bounce or at least trap it against the body.
Turn-taking: play "my turn/your turn" catching. Notice whether your child stays engaged after misses and tries again.
Connected behaviours
Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.
The framework source and supporting developmental research.
Framework source
Development Matters in the EYFS (2012) — Physical Development: Moving and Handling
Large-ball catching is included as an EYFS observable indicator of hand-eye coordination and object control within gross-motor development.
Five-level rubric (detailed)ShowHide
The full progression underlying the three levels above. Used by the platform’s reasoning agent when planning activities and observations.
Not Yet
The child does not coordinate hands and eyes to receive a large ball and tends to flinch, turn away, or let it hit their body and fall. They may avoid the game or need the ball placed into their hands.
When a ball is rolled toward them, they watch it pass or kick it away instead of trying to catch.
When a ball is gently tossed, they turn their head/shoulders away or close eyes and let it hit and drop.
They hold arms stiffly at sides and do not bring hands together to receive the ball.
Emerging
The child sometimes traps a large ball against their body, especially when it is rolled slowly or gently bounced. Success is inconsistent and depends on very short distance and predictable throws.
Traps a slowly rolled ball by hugging it to their tummy in 1 of several attempts.
Catches only when the adult places the ball into their hands (minimal tracking).
Reaches late for a gentle toss; sometimes touches the ball but it drops.
Developing
The child can catch a large ball in supported conditions (close distance, gentle underarm throw), often using two hands and a "hug" catch. They attempt to adjust hands toward the ball, though timing is still developing.
Catches a large ball from very close range (1–2 steps away) using two hands and a body trap.
Moves hands toward an incoming roll and stops it against their body.
After a miss, tries again without disengaging from the game.
Secure
The child reliably catches a large ball from a short distance with two hands, adjusting position and hands to meet the ball. They can repeat catches in simple games and recover after misses.
Catches a large ball thrown gently from a short distance in most attempts.
Sets "ready hands" (hands in front) when the ball is coming without being reminded.
Catches after a single bounce, then returns the ball to a partner.
Reflexive
The child catches while moving or after a bounce and can vary their catching strategy (hands out vs body trap) depending on speed and direction. They can play turn-taking games and coach peers on "ready hands".
Catches and immediately throws/rolls back as part of a simple back-and-forth game.
Adjusts position (steps sideways/forward) to get in front of the ball before catching.
Shows another child how to hold hands ready and "watch the ball" during catching.
