GOALIE DRILL slow motion ball, cones Have the child stand in front of 2 cones that have been set up to form a goal. Encourage the child to stop the ball with his/her hands so that the ball doesn't roll between the cones Play videos                   additional information   ROLLING AND TRAPPING slow motion ball, small foam ball, tennis ball Sit opposite the child with legs outstretched in a straddle position, so that legs are touching and a diamond shape is formed. Roll the ball to each other and catch/stop it with your hands. Progress this activity so that you’re kneeling or standing. Play videos                   additional information   BIG BALL CATCH beach ball, slow motion ball Stand facing the child and slowly bring the ball toward the child.Repeat several times, moving more quickly each time. Next, have the child grab the ball from your hands. Then, tell him/her that the ball will be let go right before it reaches his/her hands. Practice this several times before actually tossing the ball. Play videos                   additional information Observations and Tips Eyes should be focused on the ball. Fingers should be spread apart and facing down when rolling or catching a ball that’s below the waist. The ball should be controlled with the hands only, not the chest, legs, etc. Play videos                     BEAN BAG CATCH bean bag Stand facing the child and repeat the process of the Big Ball Catch using a small bean bag. Encourage the child to catch the bean bag with one hand. Play videos                   additional information   HIGH BALL CATCH beach ball, slow motion ball Kneel facing the child, who is about 3 feet away. Gently toss a beach ball or fairly large ball to the child and encourage catching the ball with fingers pointing up. Be sure the toss is done from the chest level and with the fingers pointing up. Progress by moving further away and mixing up high and low tosses. Play videos                   additional information BOUNCE CATCH beach ball, slow motion ball Face the child and bounce a beach ball or fairly large ball so the child can catch the ball without moving. Progress to moving further away and using smaller balls. Play videos                   additional information Observations and Tips Eyes should be focused on the target. Fingers should be pointing down when catching a ball that approaches below the waist and pointing up when the ball approaches above the waist. Play videos