Dropping then throwing - I just threw the ball without really knowing

What you need 

• A collection of balls, about tennis ball size (rolled-up socks work also) 
• A washing up bowl 

What to do 

1. Place the bowl next to your baby 
2. Choose a ball for yourself and drop it in the bowl while narrating your actions by saying something like: “I have a ball, what shall I do with it?  Oooops, I dropped it!”  
3. Then pass a ball to your baby and say, “Your turn.”  
4. Praise your baby when they drop the ball in the container.  
5. Once your baby is confident to drop the ball, move the container a little further away.  
6. Again, start by showing them how you throw the ball, narrating as you go.  

Good to know 

Keep praising all your baby’s attempts. They might miss more times than not, but that’s fine. The skill is throwing the ball – the target is purely a fun distraction.  

If they enjoy water play, add some water to the bowl to make a splash when the ball is dropped.