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Working on Ball Kicking with Your Child at Home
Practise ball kicking at home with a large, soft, lightweight ball: start by touching a stationary ball with one foot, offer a hand for balance, then aim at a soft target and take turns. Keep sessions short, playful and praise effort. Most children kick forward by around two years.
In this answer 5 sections
Few games light up a toddler quite like sending a ball flying across the room with one happy kick.
In short
Ball kicking builds balance, leg strength, motor planning and the confidence to play with others — and your living room or backyard is a perfect practice ground. Start with a large, soft, lightweight ball, keep it playful, and celebrate every attempt rather than perfect aim. Most children begin kicking a stationary ball forward somewhere between 18 and 24 months, with running kicks coming later.
Easy ways to practise at home
Set up for success
- Choose a light, slightly under-inflated ball about the size of a football — easier to strike and less likely to roll away.
- Begin with a stationary ball before any moving or rolling ball.
- Clear a small space so your child can swing a leg without worrying about furniture.
Build the skill step by step
- Step-and-touch first: ask your child to simply walk up and touch the ball with one foot. This teaches them to put weight on one leg.
- Hold a hand: offer one of your hands for balance during early kicks, then gradually let go.
- Aim at a target: roll the ball toward a wall, a cushion goal, or between two soft toys to give purpose and joy.
- Take turns: you kick, then they kick — turn-taking adds social play and language ("my turn, your turn, goal!").
- Mix it up: kick a balloon for slow-motion success, or kick a rolling ball once stationary kicks feel easy.
Keep it warm Short, frequent bursts (five to ten minutes) beat long sessions. Praise effort, laugh together, and stop while it's still fun.
When to check in
Most children kick a ball forward by around two years. If your child is well past two and not yet attempting to kick, frequently loses balance, strongly avoids using one leg, or seems generally behind in other movement milestones, a quick developmental check is worthwhile — early support is gentle and effective.
The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from an online activity guide. If you'd like a closer look at your child's movement and coordination, our occupational therapy team can guide playful, structured practice, and you can explore more ball kicking ideas tailored to your child's stage. Across 70+ centres in 4 states, our 700+ therapists turn everyday play into developmental progress.
Trusted sources
Guided by CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." gross-motor milestones and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance (HealthyChildren.org) on active play and movement development in toddlers.
Next step — for a friendly, no-pressure developmental check or to learn play-based ways to grow your child's motor skills, message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
If your child is well past two years and not attempting to kick, frequently loses balance, avoids using one leg, or seems behind in other movement milestones, arrange a developmental check.
In everyday life
Use a slightly under-inflated, lightweight ball and start with a stationary target — touch-the-ball-with-your-foot first, then a gentle kick toward a cushion goal.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
At what age should my child start kicking a ball?
Many children begin kicking a stationary ball forward between about 18 and 24 months, with running kicks developing later. Children vary, so focus on steady progress rather than an exact date.
What kind of ball is best for practising kicks?
A light, soft, slightly under-inflated ball about football size works best — it's easy to strike and won't roll away too fast, which builds early success and confidence.
My child keeps losing balance when kicking. Is that normal?
Early on, yes — kicking means balancing on one leg, which is hard. Offer a hand to hold at first and practise simply touching the ball with one foot. If balance difficulties persist past age two or affect other movements, consider a developmental check.
How long should we practise?
Short, frequent bursts of five to ten minutes work far better than long sessions. Keep it playful and stop while your child is still enjoying it.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. (motor milestones)
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren.org — active play in toddlers
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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