

Stands with arms in front of the body, palms up to attempt to secure a ball tossed from 5 feet by bringing hands in toward the chest. Developmental Timeline for Catching a Ball 2 Years Here is a visual timeline with ages based on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, a pediatric assessment that therapists often use as a norm-referenced tool to determine if a child is functioning below the level of peers in areas of development. Catching and throwing on the move come much later with some major whole body coordination and strength. Between the ages of 3 and 4, you will see the skill of catching emerge - first as an awkward hug to the chest and then, gradually, to a winning catch with just their hands.ĭon’t be too excited about their potential NFL or MBL recruitment yet. You will likely see a child attempt their first throw around the age of 12-18 months. You can entertain a baby as young as 4-6 months with hours of rolling and trapping. They will giggle as the ball rolls towards them, they will bat at it and then laugh as it gets away from them. It all begins with babies and the game of cause and effect.

Then, that one day, when they finally figure it out, their smile will be priceless and the photo opportunity can’t be missed.Īs toddlers grow into preschoolers, their hand-eye coordination improves along with their reflexes and ball skills gradually progress from roll and trap to toss and catch. This … If you have ever watched a toddler try desperately to toss a ball into the air and catch it, you know that it can be a frustrating phase of development.
