Park Goalposts: illustration of a toddler doing the activity

Park Goalposts

from 26 months · 10-15 min · Gross motor

What you need

  • a soft ball
  • two large plastic cups to mark the posts

How to do it

  1. At the park, stand two cups upside down on the grass a big stride apart.
  2. Take a turn kicking the ball between them.
  3. Let them kick from close up, and cheer every goal.
  4. Stand in the goal yourself and let them kick it past you.

Why it matters

Kicking between two posts gives them a goal to aim at, and flat grass is a steady place to practise.

What they're learning

Aiming a kick
Getting the ball between the cups means kicking where they look.
Kicking harder
Moving further back asks for a bit more swing.
Playing together
Taking turns in goal is a game they can join with you.

What to look for

Watch for them looking at the gap 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: set the cups wider apart and stand closer

Harder: take a step back each time they score

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Gross motor activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with cups · Toddler activities with a ball

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