Simple Ball Games for Kids: Easy Yet Creative Ways to Keep Your Child Occupied

Introduction

Make a child play various types of games is a great way of keeping them occupied and reducing their screen time effectively. There are a lot of outdoor and indoor games that can be introduced, but most of these would require a child to buy various sports resources and equipment. However, a ball is one very versatile toy that lets a child play different types of games individually as well as in a group.

Getting your child a ball and teaching them different types of ball games enhances their physical fitness and may also improve their motor skills. Also, there are several ball-related games ranging from simple catch- catch to rather complex games, such as football that come with a proper set of rules that a child has to follow while playing the game. Additionally, teaching various games with balls may also enhance a child's ability to concentrate and communicate effectively while working in a team.

Best Ball Games for Kids

Here is a list of some really interesting ball games for kids that they may play to improve their physical fitness and enjoy their leisure time while working on their cognitive skills.

• Ball in the Basket

Ball in the basket is a target game in which parents have to install a small basket or goal-like structure in any part of the house. Now with the help of the ball, the child has to aim for the basket to ensure that the ball gets inside it. The game may enhance a child's ability to concentrate and analyze their aim mentally. Additionally, making them aim as many times as they can, in a limited amount of time, may also help in improving their reflexes and functioning under a given time.

• Spud

Spud is a conceptually heavy game in which a group of children have to be involved. Now this group has to select an ‘it’ child who will have to count to 10 while all the other players run in different directions. As soon as the countdown is over, the ‘it’ child is going to take four huge steps in the direction of any player they like. All the other players have to remain frozen wherever they are as soon as the countdown is over. Now taking a ball, the child will aim at the opponent that is the closest to them. If the ball hits the opponent, then that particular opponent becomes the child.

• Break the Pyramid

Break the Pyramid is another game about making the right aim. To play this game at home, one can simply arrange some steel glasses in the shape of a pyramid. Now, just like in a professional bowling game, the child will have to aim with a small ball while standing at a particular distance to break the whole pyramid at once. This is a game that requires a child to strategize properly before deciding on making the right aim.

• Segregate the Balls

If your child is slightly younger and you want to make them play a rather simple ball game, then segregating the balls can be a great option. To play this game at home, you have to simply take a large basket or preferably an inflated kid’s swimming pool. In this, you may add several colorful balls and make your child sit inside the pool or the large basket. Now, ask your child to select the balls of a particular color in a limited amount of time. This will check your child's ability to make quick decisions while making their brain constantly work to choose the right color out of so many mixed colors.

• Catch and Throw Ball

Catch and throw ball is a really fun outdoor activity that involves a constant game of catch and throw. It can be easily played in an open area by segregating the space into two equal parts with the help of a net or by marking it with chalk. Now you may divide the playing kids into two different teams and then ask them to play, catch, and throw with each other. The game can be made even more interesting by introducing some creative rules, such as singing a song, while catching or doing a particular dance step before throwing the ball. It may promote physical agility among kids.

• Ball in the Spoon

Ball in the Spoon is a game that teaches children how to balance their body weight while also balancing a spoon and a ball that is managed through their mouth. It is a race-like activity in which a child has to start from the starting line and go to the finishing line while ensuring that the ball doesn't fall from the spoon that is held with their teeth. The child has to maintain a consistent speed while also carefully balancing the ball. It may enhance a child's ability to concentrate, improve hand-to-eye coordination, and manage body weight effectively.

Conclusion

With kids having so many virtual distractions to pass their leisure time, it has become the need of the time for parents to ensure that kids get indulged in real-life games. These games are not just important to promote physical fitness among children but also enhance their motor skills and their ability to communicate socially.

References

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376979855_THE_EFFECTS_OF_AN_8-WEEK_BALL_GAME_INTERVENTION_ON_THE_MOTOR_ABILITIES_OF_6-7-YEAR-OLDS#:~:text=In%20the%20early%20childhood%20stages,social%20interactions%20and%20cognitive%20skills

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372188952_Development_of_Small_Ball_Game_Learning_Through_Catch_Ball_Game_to_Enhance_Motoric_and_Cognitive_Skills_In_Elementary_School_Students

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581457/