Tap the Top
What you need
- a soft ball
- a sofa or low table to hold on to
How to do it
- Put the ball on the floor just in front of their feet while they hold the edge of the sofa.
- Lift one foot and tap the top of the ball gently with your own foot.
- Let them copy, tapping with one foot while the other stays on the floor.
- Swap to the other foot when they're ready.
Why it matters
Tapping a still ball asks them to stand on one foot for a moment, and that balance is the part of kicking that comes hardest at this age.
What they're learning
- Standing on one foot
- A tap means a split second on one leg, which is the balance every kick needs.
- Foot aim
- Getting a foot onto the top of the ball is early practice at putting a foot where they're looking.
- Shifting weight
- Moving their weight onto the standing leg is the move a real kick is built on.
What to look for
Watch for them shifting their weight to one side before the tapping foot comes up.
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: hold both their hands while they tap
Harder: let go of the sofa and tap a few times in a row
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Gross motor activities · Activities for 18 month olds · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a ball