"COACH" SAYS Ask the child to copy your movements and assume different positions. Encourage the child to perform actions that require balance, such as standing on tiptoes or heels, standing with one foot directly in front of the other, standing on one foot. Play videos                   additional information   BALANCE BEAM balance beam, rope Follow a straight path, walking along a rope or balance beam. Progress to straddling the rope or beam while walking, then walk on top of the rope or beam. Play videos                   additional information   FOOT TRAP slow motion ball or junior size soccer ball Have the child place his/her foot on top of the ball and maintain balance before kicking the ball. Progress by having the child trap a ball that is rolled slowly toward him/her. Play videos                   additional information Observations and Tips Encourage the child to mimic your movements during Coach Says. Try placing a beanbag on the child’s head to encourage good posture and balance. Encourage landing with two feet at the same time. Play videos                     STEP AND JUMP balance beam, floor markers Encourage the child to step up onto a balance beam or step up and then jump down from it. Progress by having the child 1) jump further out onto a marker, 2) jump down from higher steps or surfaces. Play videos                   additional information   JUMPING HIGH dowel, rope, floor markers Encourage the child to jump over a dowel, rope or marker . Or encourage the child to jump up to grab an object. If the child cannot clear feet from floor, encourage jumping up for an object while “jumping down” from a beam or step. Play videos                   additional information FROG HOPPING/LEAPIN' LIZARDS floor markers For frog hopping, encourage the child to jump forward from one marker to the next. Progress to leapin’ lizards by encouraging the child to run forward and leap into the air either over or onto a marker. Play videos                   additional information Observations and Tips If the child takes off or lands flat-footed, encourage leaning forward and bending the knees. If leaping is difficult for the child, run along the child’s side, holding his/her hand and practice leaping onto a marker over an object. Play videos