What is object control?
In previous articles we looked at stability and locomotor skills. In this article we will explore manipulation or object control. Object control requires your child to control an object using a part of the body or using equipment such as a bat. There are two types of object control skills: propelling skills (sending an object away from you e.g. throwing or kicking) and receiving skills (receiving an object e.g. catching).
Why do we need object control?
We use object control when we play games and sports. When we can do this well we are also able to control small muscles when writing or cutting in the classroom.
Object control skills include:
- Throwing
- Underarm rolling
- Underarm throwing
- Overarm throwing
- Catching
- Kicking
- Dribbling with foot
- Bouncing
- Dribbling with hand
How to develop control skills
Catching is an important skill in most ball games but is challenging for many young children, as the catcher is not in control of the speed of the oncoming object. The child has to track the object (keep his eye on it) and move his body and hands in response, before catching it. The ‘avoidance tendency’ is common among younger children who instinctively turn their faces away or close their eyes to avoid being hit. For beginners, start with objects that are bright, light and travel slowly (e.g. scarf, stuffed toy, balloon). This skill may need to be taught together with throwing skills.
Ask your child or the children in your class to catch:
- A big, soft teddybear
- Rolled up socks
- Bean bag tossed by your friend
- A ball by clapping your hands twice before receiving it
- A tennis ball by standing on one leg
- A ball with hands high in the air
- A T-shirt whilst kneeling on the floor
To spice up all the motor skills discussed in this series of articles, you can combine the exercises to make it more challenging for your child (depending on his age).
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