Hand in Hand Kick

from 18 months · 5-10 min · Gross motor

What you need

Stand beside them and hold one of their hands.
Put the ball on the ground right in front of their free-side foot.
Give it a little kick yourself so they can see the move.
Put it back and let them kick it while you hold their hand, then go and fetch it together.

Holding your hand takes some of the balance off them, so they can put everything into swinging a foot at the ball.

Kicking: Foot to ball with a bit of support is the first full kick most toddlers manage.
Balance with help: Your hand steadies them while their leg does something new.
Confidence: A kick that works makes them want another go.

Watch for them pulling your hand towards the ball once it's been fetched.

Shoes with a good grip beat socks on a smooth floor. Clear a space first and use a soft, light ball.

Easier: hold both hands from behind

Harder: hold just a finger, then nothing