Kicking and batting balls is a complex skill that involves visually tracking objects and coordinating a movement response. Keep reading to find out how the skills needed for kicking and batting emerge (and at approximately what age), and the games you could play to encourage skill development.

Building blocks for kicking and batting

Developing hand eye coordination and visual tracking skills

Simple kicking and batting

Starting to manipulate objects with improving accuracy

Advanced kicking and batting

Skilfully using feet and a range of sports equipment to hit balls with accuracy and over longer distances

Toddlers

  • Walk forward to kick a large ball

  • Experiment with carpentry under supervision

  • Hit a large beach ball with a stick or bat.

Activities

See what activities can help to support this core skill.

See Activities

Early movers is a collaborative project between Loughborough University, the NCSEM and Loughborough campus nursery. Our work has been supported with Loughborough University Enterprise Funding through the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF).