Activities & Skills: Musical Balls

On this edition of Activities & Skills, we’re featuring a favorite game from our Mini Movers and 2s classes. Musical Balls allows Tiny Troopers to work on their listening, dribbling, and trapping skills at the same time. For older Troopers, please see the Adaptations and Modifications section at the end of this post.

What You’ll Need

For this activity, all you’ll need is a ball. However, if you would prefer to play music for this game instead of singing, then having a phone or other device that will allow you to start and stop music is also needed. First, remind your little one of how to dribble the ball correctly. Remind them that they only use their feet to dribble the ball. Dribbling only uses the inside of the foot, the outside of the foot, and the tops of the foot (where the velcro or laces are). The big toe should never be used to kick the ball because it makes big kicks. Spend a moment or two practicing dribbling together. If you need a refresher, this video is wonderful!

Directions

For this game, your Tiny Trooper will dribble the ball around the playing area while the music plays or you sing. If you are singing, choose simple songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, the “ABCs”, “Five Little Monkeys”, etc. If you are cueing up a playlist, try songs from Ms. Rachel, Cocomelon, Blippi, or anyone else they love. Begin singing/playing the music and dribbling around the backyard. Stop the music periodically, which means to stop and trap the ball. Switch up the intervals of starting and stopping.

Adaptations & Modifications

• Younger: Use shorter songs
• Advanced: Players must do a pullback when the music starts again
• Modification: For players who may have trouble with listening cues, use a visual cue at the same time, such as waving a hand or scarf around
• Variation: Call out a body part when the music stops for the player to trap the ball with instead
• Copycat: The parent makes a pose that the player must copy when the ball is trapped

Ready for more fun games on Soccer Island? Find your location and enroll today!