Keep-Away
You and your child pass back and forth while a third person, or the dog, stands in the middle and tries to touch the ball.
At a glance
- One ball and three people: you, your child and a third person in the middle. You and your child stand 5 giant steps apart.
- You and your child pass back and forth along the ground. The middle person can only walk, and tries to touch the ball.
- Count the passes in a row. When the middle person touches the ball, whoever passed it goes in the middle.
- Progress 1: The middle person can run, not just walk.
- Progress 2: Two touches only for you and your child: one to control the ball, one to pass.
If it's not working: The middle person stays on one spot and only stretches for the ball.
- your child
- middle person
- Ggrown-up
- run
- pass
- 1in this order
You and your child pass back and forth, about 5 giant steps apart. The middle person walks between you and tries to touch the ball. Count the passes in a row.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips
Set up
- One ball. Three people: you, your child and a third person in the middle. No third person? The dog in the middle works too.
- You and your child stand about 5 giant steps apart, with the middle person between you.
Garden, park.
How to play
- You and your child pass back and forth along the ground.
- The middle person can only walk, and tries to touch the ball.
- Count the passes in a row. When the middle person touches the ball, whoever passed it goes in the middle.
Make it easier
- The middle person stays on one spot and only stretches for the ball.
- Stand further apart, so there is more room to pass around the middle person.
Make it harder, step by step
- The middle person can run, not just walk.
- Two touches only for you and your child: one to control the ball, one to pass.
- One touch only for you and your child.
Three things to say
- Pass early, then move to a new angle.
Colts habit
Work hard: little and often beats one long go.
Both feet
Do a round with the practice foot only.
Heads up
Look up between touches.
Safety: Pick a clear, flat space, look out for traffic and hazards, and stop if anything hurts. Soft ball indoors.
My best
Passes in a row before the middle touches it. Last time and this time. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.