Learning to Throw and Catch

Throwing and catching is fun!

Playing catch is one of the best games ever. 🤾 You throw the ball, your friend catches it, and back it comes!

Throwing and catching help your body in a special way. They teach your eyes and hands to work together. This is called hand-eye coordination. It also makes your arms strong and helps you learn to take turns.

First, find a soft ball and a safe, open space. Ask a grown-up to play with you. Make sure there is nothing to bump into.

How to catch a ball

Catching means stopping the ball with your hands. Here is how:

1. Stand facing the person who throws.
2. Hold your two hands out in front, like a little basket.
3. Watch the ball with your eyes the whole time.
4. When the ball comes close, close your hands gently around it.
5. Hug it in towards your tummy so it does not bounce out.

The big secret is your eyes. If you look at the ball, your hands will know where to go. If you look away, the ball can slip past!

How to throw a ball

Throwing means sending the ball to someone. Try these steps:

1. Hold the ball in your hand.
2. Look at the person you want to throw to.
3. Step forward with one foot.
4. Swing your arm and let the ball go towards them.
5. Point your hand at your friend after you let go.

Stepping forward is a clever trick. It gives the ball more push so it can travel further.

You can throw two ways. An underarm throw swings from down low and is gentle and easy. An overarm throw goes up high over your shoulder. Start with the underarm throw first.

Start close, then move apart

When you are learning, stand close together. The ball will reach you fast and be easy to catch.

When catching gets easy, take one small step back. A little further each time! Soon you will be catching from far away. 🎉

A fun game to try

Let's play Roll, Bounce, Catch with a grown-up:

1. First, roll the ball along the floor to each other. Rolling is the easiest way to start.
2. Next, bounce the ball once on the floor, then catch it.
3. Last, throw the ball straight through the air and catch it.

Count how many catches you can make in a row. Can you get to five? Cheer every time you catch!

Stay safe

• Always use a soft ball while you learn.
• Play in an open space with no glass or roads near.
• Have a grown-up with you.
• If a ball rolls into the road, never run after it. Ask a grown-up.

You are a catching star!

Now you know to make a basket with your hands, watch the ball, and step forward to throw. The more you play, the better you get!

Want to play more ball games? Try Fun With Balls. Ready for a team game next? Peek at The Rules of Basketball.