Ball Activities For Kids

As a mom with a background in pediatric physical therapy I’ve found a simple ball is one of the most flexible pieces I can have on hand in both therapy and play.  There are so many different ball activities for kids that you can come up with for a variety of skill levels and goals.  Today I’m sharing with you some of my favorite ways to use a ball when working with kids to work on different motor skills! 

Creative Ball Activities For Kids

Ball Activities For Kids

In order to work on these different activities you simply need a ball or maybe two. I also like to add a stability ball or balance board in to change up the activities a bit.  Many of the activities can be done with one child, but I will also share some pretty fun partner activities!  Be sure to check out how to incorporate ball games for balance exercises for kids or pediatric core strengthening.  

Ball Activities For Kids

All of these ball activities involve a single ball and one child.  Most can be done in very small spaces as well!  

Ball Foot Pass

 

Ball on Wall

 

Great for shoulder stability, proprioception, and upper extremity strength.

 

Ball Roll Kneeling to Standing

 

This is a great workout!  Great for endurance, core, upper and lower extremity strength! 

 

Ball Balance

 

Work on balance skills by adding a ball under one foot!  Vary the size of the ball to vary the challenge. Check out the balance with a ball post! 

 

 

 Balance Board and Ball

A simple game of catch using a ball with a balance board (affiliate link – it is the board in the videos) can increase the challenge.  Throw the ball outside the base of support to increase the challenge even more!

 

Tandem standing on the balance board can make it even more challenging!

 

 

Really up the challenge by going single foot on the balance board.

 

 

 

With A Stability Ball

The ball activities in this section are all done with a stability peanut ball (affiliate link – this is the one in the videos).  I’ve been using this peanut ball with preschool and early elementary aged kiddos! 

Ball With Trunk Rotation

 

Ball On Wall Rolls

 

 

Ball Chops

 

 

 

Ball Activities With Cones

Have any extra cones (affiliate link) around a gym, classroom, or home? Sometimes you can even find these at a dollar store. Here are a few fun ways to incorporate ball activities for kids using cones.

Ball To Cone Touch

Change the distance the child is away from the cones, the spacing between the cones, or the height of the cones to vary the challenge. 

 

Push the Ball Around Cones

 

This activity can be done with balls of all sizes. If using a soccer sized ball use your feet instead of pushing with your arms!

 

 

Partner Ball Activities

So many activities are made more fun when done with a friend.  Check out these partner ball activities to try today!

Ball Twist

Pass the ball to your partner by twisting side to side.  Vary the size of the ball being used.  

 

Over/Under Ball Pass

 

Add some vestibular by passing a ball between the legs and overhead in this fun partner activity!

 

Foot Pass

 

Work on core strength by passing a ball back and forth with your partner using only your feet!

 

Digital Ball Games

Play the sports friends ball skills digital game! Pick a friend, meet your friend and get to know their name, and try the ball skill they want you to do!

GET THE SPORTS FRIENDS BALL SKILL GAME

 


The Ball Skills Graphing Game is another way to work on ball skills with repetition in game format!

 

GET THE BALL SKILLS GRAPHING GAME

 

 

 

Ball Activities and Skills Resources

Pink Oatmeal has a huge selection of ball activity and skills resources that you can get your hands on now. Work on strength, balance, and ball skills all in game format. You will save time and money and your kids will love these games.

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