I am often surprised by the number of 6, 7 and 8 year old girls fumbling and being ill at ease when they have a ball in their hands, so I wanted to get this one right for my preschooler. Girls who do not have sound ball skills by Year 3 show reluctance to take part in games and activities due to their feelings of incompetence.
I think the chest pass is the ideal starting point when it comes to the teaching of throwing. Here is why.
Even in the first stage of learning this skill (cognitive stage), learners can use it in games and activities. It requires both hands and develops upper body strength evenly. It can be easily mastered and subsequently, gives the thrower a great early boost.
Some pointers:
- Choose a soft, light ball that is their chest size.
- Hold the ball with the fingers spread out and pointing up.
- Begin with the ball held at chest height and close to the chest.
- Keep elbows comfortably close to the body; "no chicken wings"
- Push the ball to the target.
- Point the fingers at the target after the ball is released.
- I would add "step when you throw" at Prep level or when outside (heavier) balls are used. This is where the weight is transferred from the foot at the back to the dominant foot out in front.
- Throw the ball against the ball; aiming at a target
- Play two-person poison ball - ask them to throw the ball at you...and if they hit you with it...it is a point to them. Change the rules to make it harder or easier as their skills progress
- .Throw whilst sitting, kneeling and standing and standing on one foot,
- Throw for distance; measure the distance by doing the Heel Toe walk
- Always demonstrate and model the action - 'do as you say/say as you do'
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