Ball Hockey for Toddlers

Requirements

• Small hockey sticks (wooden or plastic)
• Plastic ball 8-10 cm diameter (e.g. street hockey ball)

Instructions

1. Create two small goals in your driveway, patio, or hard surface at a local park.
2. Play a simple game of one-against-one hockey with your toddler.
3. Allow your child to score goals for encouragement.

Variations

• Show your child how to “stickhandle” the ball with small touches that change the ball direction
• Create a big goal and act as goalkeeper so your child can attempt to score on you

Benefits

This activity develops hand-eye coordination and timing while using a hockey stick (i.e., striking tool). These skills also transfer to striking with a bat or racquet.