See if the children can describe the ways you helped them to become better at throwing, kicking, striking, dribbling, or catching. Use light, colorful, and soft equipment for children who are at the initial catching stage. Later, give children different sizes and shapes of manipulative equipment to use.
Small objects are best for throwing, and larger objects, within reason, are best for catching.
Styrofoam art balls are excellent items to check the proficiency level in catching because the wind easily alters the ball's path. Catching the ball requires concentration, moving to the ball, and proper hand position. Locate wall space for throwing, catching, kicking, volleying, and striking. The wall often is the best partner. Hula hoop stands and the wall become fine targets for manipulative practice trials.