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Ball-Kicking Drills You Can Do With Your Child at Home
Build ball-kicking at home with short, playful sessions: start by tapping a still ball, work on balancing on one leg, then kick towards simple targets. Use a soft, lightweight ball, celebrate every try, and keep it fun. Watch how your child balances and uses both legs, and raise any persistent difficulty at a developmental check.
In this answer 5 sections
A ball, a bit of space, and ten minutes a day — that's all it takes to turn a simple game into powerful motor practice for your child.
In short
Ball-kicking helps your child build balance, leg strength, coordination and the confidence to move with purpose. Start with a large, lightweight ball, keep it playful, and break the skill into small steps — standing steady, tapping, then kicking towards a target. A few short, joyful sessions each day work far better than one long one.
Simple drills you can do at home
Start gently (build balance first)
- Have your child stand and gently tap a still ball with the side of the foot — no need to send it far at first.
- Hold their hand or let them lean on a wall or sofa for support while they balance on one leg to kick. Balancing on one foot is the real skill underneath kicking.
Build the kick
- Place the ball just in front of their kicking foot and cheer for any contact. Celebrate the try, not the distance.
- Roll the ball slowly towards them and let them kick it back — this adds timing and tracking.
- Set up a simple "goal" with two cushions or shoes and take turns scoring.
Make it richer
- Kick towards different targets — a wall, a box, a parent's open arms.
- Try gentle dribbling: small taps to walk the ball across the room.
- Alternate feet so both legs get practice.
Keep it working
- Use a soft, slightly under-inflated ball — easier to control and less likely to roll away.
- Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and stop while it's still fun.
- Model it yourself; children learn kicking beautifully by copying you.
A quick note on technique
Watch how your child kicks, not just whether the ball moves. Look for a steady standing leg, arms used for balance, and eyes on the ball. If your child consistently struggles to balance on one foot, tires very quickly, or strongly favours one leg, mention it at your next developmental check — it's useful information, not a cause for alarm. Most children simply need more playful practice.
The Pinnacle way
Every child's motor journey is their own, and small wins — a first solid kick, steadier balance, more confident play — are exactly what we celebrate. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under the care of a qualified clinician. Explore more ball-kicking drills and structured motor therapy guidance for ideas matched to your child's stage.
Trusted sources
Guided by developmental-milestone resources from the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." programme, the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren guidance on active play, and WHO physical-activity advice for young children.
Next step — for play ideas matched to your child's exact stage, book a developmental check with our team on WhatsApp: +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
Watch how steadily your child balances on the standing leg, whether they use both legs over time, and how quickly they tire. Persistent difficulty balancing on one foot, strong one-sided preference, or unusual fatigue is worth mentioning at a developmental check — helpful information, not a cause for worry.
In everyday life
Use a soft, slightly under-inflated ball and play in a clear space — it rolls slower, is easier to control, and turns every tap into a confident win.
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
What age can my child start ball-kicking drills?
Many children begin tapping and kicking a large ball around 18 months to 2 years, once they can stand and walk steadily. Every child develops at their own pace, so follow your child's interest and keep it playful rather than rushing to milestones.
What kind of ball is best for practising at home?
A large, soft, lightweight and slightly under-inflated ball works best. It rolls more slowly, is easier for little feet to control, and won't hurt if it bounces back — so your child stays confident and keeps trying.
How long should each practice session be?
Short and frequent beats long and tiring. Aim for 5–10 minutes a few times a day, and always stop while it's still fun so your child looks forward to the next go.
Should I worry if my child can't balance on one leg to kick?
Not usually — balancing on one foot is the hardest part and develops with practice. Let them lean on a wall or your hand at first. If difficulty balancing or strong one-sided preference persists, simply mention it at a developmental check.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC – Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren – active play guidance
- Organisation website · further readingWHO – physical activity for young children
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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