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2:00 AM 25th June 2022
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Healthy Heart Tip: Ball Game Ideas For Young Children

 
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Ball games are fun at any age, and a great way to get our hearts pumping! Here we explore some games you can enjoy with the little ones in your life, whether they are babies, toddlers or pre-schoolers. Don’t forget to praise their efforts and show them that you enjoy the games you play together, too!

Babies

Even babies can enjoy playing with a ball. When a baby can hold up their head while lying on their tummy, encourage them to reach for the ball, by placing it just out of reach. This will encourage them to explore their surroundings, reach and grab!

Toddlers

Encourage your child to throw, kick and roll the ball to you. Make this easier at first by sitting or standing close to each other. Practice makes perfect – don’t expect your little one to catch straight away. You could even use a cardboard box or washing basket as a goal too!

Pre-schoolers

Show your child how to use their hand as a bat. Bowl the ball to them and encourage them to hit it! As your little one improves; change the rules so that they must run from one base to another after a hit. The next step is rounders or cricket!


We hope we have inspired you to have some fun with a simple ball and get your little one and yourself a little more active each day to keep your hearts healthy. The possibilities are endless!

Heart Research UK
Proud to stand out from the crowd, Heart Research UK is the charity dedicated to your heart. They inspire and invest in pioneering medical research, ground-breaking training and education, and in communities to improve their heart health for themselves. For over 50 years they have driven advancements in the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease to benefit patients as soon as possible.


You can find more healthy tips, recipes and advice at heartresearch.org.uk