Box Goal
What you need
- a soft ball
- a big cardboard box
How to do it
- Lay the box on its side with the open end facing them, a couple of steps away.
- Kick the ball into it yourself and say "in!"
- Roll the ball back to their feet and let them have a go.
- Move the box a little further back once the ball starts going in.
Why it matters
A big target gives the kick somewhere to go, so they start aiming their foot as well as swinging it.
What they're learning
- Kicking forwards
- Aiming at the box nudges them to kick the ball straight ahead.
- Aim
- Watching whether it went in is the start of adjusting the next kick.
- Distance
- Moving the box back asks for a bit more push each time.
What to look for
Watch for them turning their body to face the box before they kick.
A tip
Shoes with a good grip beat socks on a smooth floor. Clear a space first and use a soft, light ball.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: put the box right in front of the ball
Harder: turn the box so the opening is narrower
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Gross motor activities · Activities for 18 month olds · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a cardboard box · Toddler activities with a ball