Playing Ball w/ Physical Handicaps

Let's play ball! The invitation has gone out for years between fathers and athlete children heading for the Hall of Fame, between mothers and Olympic hopefuls, and between kids and competitive peers.

Use the correct ball.

Consider what type of ball.

• A squishy ball that can be easily squeezed
• A hollow ball like a ping pong ball or child's practice golf or baseball
• A yarn ball
• A bean bag ball
• A tennis ball
• A beach ball
• A punching ball
• A child's large plastic ball
• A traditional sports ball

Skills Choose from these activities to meet the individual needs of the child and to build gross motor skills and hand eye coordination. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, adaptive PE teachers, and special education teachers often use these.

• Squeeze the ball. First in one hand and then in the other. Next, use both hands.
• Roll the ball.
• Toss and catch the ball. Try with both hands underhanded and overhanded. Try with one hand.
• Kick the ball.
• Bat the ball.
• Bounce the ball.
• Shoot the ball into a bucket or into a hoop.

Name your game Perhaps your child participates in traditional sports. Maybe your child has severe physical challenges. Your game may simply consist of one of the above activities. Remember the needs of your child.

If you are shooting for a traditional ball game, consider adaptations that allow your child to be a team player.

• Baseball:Use a batting tee. Allow someone else to be the runner.
• Basketball:Use a laundry basket for practice or even for the game. Use a lowered hoop.
• Football:Use a soft ball. Play a modification of flag football.
• Soccer:Hand balls are allowed. Practice or play without a goalie.

Have fun! If you have fun playing ball, whatever the version, so will your child. Remember that few kids can resist the lure of a ball game. It is a great way to involve your child with other kids!

My next article:

Help Your Deaf Child Read

Note: Activities represented here are ideas. Parents (not the author) are responsible for choosing an appropriate activity for a particular child and for the consequences of that activity.

© 2006 Lynn Moore No portion of this article may be copied or distributed without the written consent of the author.

The copyright of the article Playing Ball w/ Physical Handicaps in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Playing Ball w/ Physical Handicaps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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