Gross Motor Delay
When to worry about Gross Motor Delay at five
By five, most children run, hop, climb stairs and catch a ball with growing ease. Worry — gently — if your child consistently struggles with several of these versus peers, tires quickly, falls often or avoids active play, and especially if a skill has been lost. These are patterns to assess, not a diagnosis; only a Pinnacle clinician can confirm anything, never an online form.
If your five-year-old seems wobblier, slower or more tired than other children at the park, it's natural to wonder whether something needs a closer look — and asking now is a loving, sensible thing to do.
In short
By five, most children can run smoothly, hop on one foot a few times, climb stairs with alternating feet, throw and catch a large ball, and pedal a tricycle or small bike. It's worth a gentle developmental check if your child consistently struggles with these compared with peers, tires very quickly, frequently falls, avoids active play, or seems to have lost a skill they once had. Gross Motor Delay describes large-muscle skills arriving later than expected — it is a pattern to observe and assess, not a diagnosis, and many children make excellent progress with the right support.Signs worth a closer look at age five
Every child develops at their own pace, but consider a check if you notice several of these persisting:- Cannot run with a smooth, controlled stride, or trips and falls far more than other children
- Struggles to hop on one foot, jump with both feet, or balance briefly on one leg
- Avoids climbing, stairs, jumping or playground equipment that peers enjoy
- Difficulty catching, throwing or kicking a large ball
- Tires unusually quickly during active play, or complains of leg pain
- Markedly clumsy or stiff movements, or favouring one side of the body
- Loss of a skill previously mastered — this always warrants prompt medical review
A single tricky skill is rarely a concern. A cluster of these, present across home, park and school, is the signal to seek a friendly clinical opinion.
Why a timely check helps
The years before school are a window when movement skills, confidence and participation grow together — a child who moves easily joins in, makes friends and builds self-belief. Identifying a delay early lets a clinician tell apart a normal variation, a temporary lag, or an underlying reason that benefits from support such as physiotherapy. Importantly, any sudden loss of skill, weakness, or unusual stiffness should be reviewed by a doctor promptly rather than waiting.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 form or checklist. Our therapists look at your child's whole movement story — strength, balance, coordination and how they join in everyday play — and build a warm, play-based plan. Targeted physiotherapy and motor support helps children grow steadier, stronger and more confident on their feet.Trusted sources
CDC developmental milestone guidance for five-year-olds (cdc.gov); American Academy of Pediatrics family guidance (healthychildren.org); WHO ICD-11 framework for motor development.Next step — If several of these signs feel familiar, the kindest move is a calm chat with a clinician. Book a developmental check with a Pinnacle physiotherapist today.
What to watch
Watch for a cluster of signs across home, park and school: cannot run smoothly or trips often, struggles to hop or balance on one foot, avoids climbing and jumping, difficulty catching or kicking a ball, tires very quickly, or markedly stiff or clumsy movements. Any loss of a previously mastered skill, weakness or unusual stiffness needs prompt medical review.
Try this at home
Make movement playful, not a test — hopscotch, balloon catch, animal walks and obstacle courses build balance, strength and coordination while everyone has fun. Short, daily, joyful bursts do more than long sessions.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
What gross motor skills should my 5-year-old have?
Most five-year-olds can run smoothly, hop on one foot a few times, jump with both feet, climb stairs with alternating feet, balance briefly on one leg, and throw, catch and kick a large ball. Children develop at their own pace, so a single tricky skill is rarely a worry — it is a persistent cluster across settings that's worth a check.
Is it normal for my 5-year-old to still be clumsy?
Some clumsiness is completely normal as children refine balance and coordination. Concern grows when clumsiness is marked, persists across home and school, comes with frequent falls or quick tiring, or limits joining in active play. A friendly clinical opinion can tell apart a normal variation from a delay that benefits from support.
Can gross motor delay be helped at age five?
Yes. Five is a wonderful window — children at this age respond well to playful, targeted physiotherapy that builds strength, balance and confidence. Identifying a delay early means support can begin sooner, helping your child join in, make friends and feel steady on their feet.
When should I see a doctor urgently about my child's movement?
Seek prompt medical review if your child has lost a movement skill they once had, shows new weakness, unusual stiffness, favours one side of the body, or complains of persistent pain. These signs are reviewed by a doctor first, rather than waiting for a therapy assessment.