Welcome Back to our series, “Simple Things You Can Do With…” This week we are going to talk about the playground ball. This simple and versatile toy is incredibly versatile and useful. For those of you who aren’t familiar with a playground ball, it is a small ball that kids use frequently during PE class for lots of games and activities. This ball is similar in size to the simple plastic balls available in stores like Wal-Mart, however the playground ball is a bit sturdier and more durable. If you are interested in purchasing one of these balls, here is a link: Playground Ball
Now that we have the basics, let’s dive into those activities:
Ball Skills
Well, I guess number one is pretty obvious. You can work on your ball skills with a playground ball. Now in part one of this series I shared with you guys how to use a larger therapy ball for many of these skills if your child is having difficulty with a smaller ball, like the playground ball. Feel free to check out that video here.
The development of throwing and catching a ball tends to follow a predictable pattern.
- In the beginning, kids learn to roll a ball back and forth.
- Once a child is able to stand up with good balance skills they move on to throwing from the position.
- Usually with an underhand pattern to start and then a chest pass throw where they push forward with 2 hands.
- In terms of catching, kids begin by trapping the ball. Trapping is when they use their chest, arms, and hands to trap the ball against their bodies.
- With a little more time and practice they move on to catching the ball with their hands only.
Balance
Next on my list is using a playground ball to work on balance. There are a couple of simple ways to do that.
- First, you can stand up and place the ball under one foot. This position simulates unilateral stance or standing on one foot.
- Once you get the hang of it, you can make the task more difficult by playing a game, throwing a ball with a partner, etc.
- Another option is to place the ball under your foot and then move the ball in small circles. This activity challenges your balance and strengthens the muscles in your hips and legs.
Alternative Seating
Next up is using the ball as an alternative seat. Just like a therapy ball in older kids an adults, the playground ball works as a great seat for younger kids. Sitting on a ball allows for movement while sitting which can improve attention and engagement.
Color Bounce Game
Next is what I call the Color Bounce Game. To play:
- Tape some pieces of paper with large colored shapes up on the wall. The ones I am using are available to download for free here.
- Have the child stand feet away from the wall.
- Then call out colors. Each time you call a color the child has to throw the ball at the color and then catch it.
- This game works on a bunch of skills, throwing, catching, balance, visual tracing, and on and on.
- Be careful the first few times the child throws the ball at the wall. If they use too much force the ball can have a stronger rebound than they might be expecting.
Activating the VMO
Last on my list is activating the VMO. Ok so what in the world is the VMO? Well, the VMO is one of the 4 muscles in your quadriceps. It is located on the inner portion of the front of your thigh. This muscle is very important in helping your knee cap stay in the right place when your knee is moving. I actually have a video on the muscles of the leg if you would like more details here.
When strengthening the VMO, a playground ball can be a very useful too.
- If you place the ball between your legs and squeeze as you perform a bridge, you activate the VMO. To perform a bridge, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder with apart. Place the ball between your knees then slowly raise your bottom off of the floor. Be sure to squeeze the ball to keep it in place.
- You can also activate the VMO by using a playground ball during wall slides. To perform a wall slide, lean your back against a wall and place your feet about 12-18 inches in front of you. Then, with the ball between your knees slowly bend your knees until you are in a sitting position supported by the wall. Hold the position for 10-20 seconds. Then return to standing.
- There are two important things to remember about a wall slide. First, your feet should be far enough away from the wall that when you bend your knees, the knee never moves in front of the foot. And second, that you don’t bend your knees too much. I usually recommend no more than 90 degrees at the hips and knees. Make sure to squeeze that ball al you perform this exercise to really work that VMO.
I hope you found some helpful ideas for activities to do with a playground ball. Try some of them out and let me know what you think. Do you have other ideas? Please share them in the comments.
I hope you have a great week!
-Heather
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