Ball Figure Eight
coordination activity for kids 5+
Pass a small ball around the knees in a figure eight.
In short
Ball Figure Eight is a short standing activity. A small ball travels around the knees in a figure eight. All you need is a ball or a beanbag. It suits preschoolers who like playing with balls. Your child practices letting both hands work together, planning a movement ahead and sensing their own body.
What you need
- Small ballor a beanbag
How to play
- Take a small ball or beanbag, feet shoulder width apart.
The full instructions are in the printable pack
3 more steps and 3 ideas to make it harder in the printable pack
All further steps and the ideas to make it harder are in the printable pack, together with all sheets to print.
See the printable packWhen it fits
- Late in the afternoon, when your child still has energy but you don't want to go outside again.
- While the bath is filling up and your child is waiting impatiently.
- When there's a ball in your child's room and they would love to throw it across the whole apartment.
What your child practices
- Both hands
- Motor planning
- Body awareness
Using both hands together and planning a movement ahead is something your child needs when putting on a jacket, throwing and catching, or carrying a full cup. Body awareness tells your child where their arms and legs are and how much room there is all around. Ball Figure Eight brings this together in one calm, round movement that fits even into a small room.
Works well before or after
Before, the Cross Crawl March makes a good warm-up. Afterward, Statue Poses let the movement wind down calmly.