Throwing a ball: how the skill grows from 14 to 36 months
Throwing a ball means letting go of a ball on purpose in a chosen direction, first as a drop and later as an underhand or overhand throw. Throwing practises timing the release and aiming at a target.
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Throwing a ball: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Flings anywhere. Throws with a sideways swing; the ball may go in any direction.
Activities that fit this step
- Laundry-Basket Ball Toss · 17–28 months · 5–12 min
- Throw into the Hoop · 18–36 months · 5–12 min
- Rolled-Sock Snowball Throw · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Throws toward a target. Faces a basket a step away and lands the ball near it.
Activities that fit this step
- Laundry-Basket Ball Toss · 17–28 months · 5–12 min
- Throw into the Hoop · 18–36 months · 5–12 min
- Rolled-Sock Snowball Throw · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Overhand throw. Raises the ball near the head and pushes it forward.
Activities that fit this step
- Laundry-Basket Ball Toss · 17–28 months · 5–12 min
- Throw into the Hoop · 18–36 months · 5–12 min
- Rolled-Sock Snowball Throw · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Throws to a person. Waits until you are ready, then throws the ball toward you.
Activities that fit this step
- Laundry-Basket Ball Toss · 17–28 months · 5–12 min
- Throw into the Hoop · 18–36 months · 5–12 min
- Rolled-Sock Snowball Throw · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Top of the ladder (throws to a person). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Laundry-Basket Ball Toss · 17–28 months · 5–12 min
- Throw into the Hoop · 18–36 months · 5–12 min
- Rolled-Sock Snowball Throw · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
The throwing a ball ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 14 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Drops on purpose
Lets a ball fall over the edge of the high chair or into a basket.
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Flings anywhere
Throws with a sideways swing; the ball may go in any direction.
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Throws toward a target
Faces a basket a step away and lands the ball near it.
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Overhand throw
Raises the ball near the head and pushes it forward.
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Throws to a person
Waits until you are ready, then throws the ball toward you.
When throwing a ball usually shows up
Throwing does not appear on CDC's current checklists up to age 3. Many toddlers drop or fling a ball in the second year; aimed throws toward a basket usually develop between about 2 and 3, with plenty of balls flying backward first.
This page follows throwing a ball from 14 to 36 months, a window that spans the 15-month, 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 3 activities practise throwing a ball (3 as their main skill), for ages 17 to 36 months. Each needs a few minutes of setup. By age, they sit closest to steps 2, 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder.
Activities that practise throwing a ball
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 3 gross motor. Quickest to start: Laundry-Basket Ball Toss (5–12 minutes).
Step 2: Flings anywhere
Step 3: Throws toward a target
Step 4: Overhand throw
Skills practised alongside
The activities for throwing a ball most often also work on counting (1), spatial words (1) and taking turns (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Use rolled-up socks or soft balls indoors so there is always something allowed to be thrown.
- Put a laundry basket one step away and move it back after a few successes.
- Throw slowly yourself first, saying "up... and throw!"
- Keep a clear rule: soft balls are for throwing; cups and blocks are not.
What to avoid
- Scolding every throw; redirect to something safe to throw instead.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If your child seems to have trouble lifting one arm, does not let go of objects on purpose, or uses one side of the body much less than the other, mention it to the pediatrician.
Worried about throwing a ball between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start throwing a ball?
Throwing does not appear on CDC's current checklists up to age 3. Many toddlers drop or fling a ball in the second year; aimed throws toward a basket usually develop between about 2 and 3, with plenty of balls flying backward first. The first step to look for: lets a ball fall over the edge of the high chair or into a basket.
How can I help my toddler with throwing a ball?
Use rolled-up socks or soft balls indoors so there is always something allowed to be thrown. Put a laundry basket one step away and move it back after a few successes. A good first activity is Laundry-Basket Ball Toss (17–28 months).
What should I avoid when practising throwing a ball?
Scolding every throw; redirect to something safe to throw instead.
When should I mention throwing a ball to the pediatrician?
If your child seems to have trouble lifting one arm, does not let go of objects on purpose, or uses one side of the body much less than the other, mention it to the pediatrician. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.