Set up games for preschoolers that provide the opportunity to throw or toss a ball with one or two hands overhand and underhand. For example, set up a basket and provide each child with a small rubber ball. Show children how to toss the ball underhand into the basket. Let each preschooler take a turn tossing the ball into the basket. Encourage children to play games that involve throwing balls toward a target such as a set of stacked blocks. Begin a game of catch with a foam baseball, football or rubber ball and encourage children to throw the ball to you.
Implement games that involve rolling a ball toward objects in an attempt to knock them down. For example, set up a series of plastic bowling pins and encourage children to roll a small plastic ball toward the pins to knock down as they can. You can also play rolling games in small groups during circle time. Ask the children to sit in a circle. Give a rubber ball to one child and ask him to say the name of a child in the circle and then roll the ball to that child. Continue the game until each preschooler has had a turn.
Play kicking games with children such as kickball or soccer. To play kick ball, ask children to practice balancing on one foot. Then show children how to balance on one foot and kick the ball with the other. Set up a game of soccer for preschoolers. Set up a goal, such as a soccer goal with a net or a cardboard box turned on its side. Provide preschoolers with a foam soccer ball and show them how to kick the ball forward toward the goal.
Set up games in which children receive a ball and then must run to pass the ball on to others. For instance, ask children to line up. Roll a basketball to the first preschooler. Ask him to catch it and then run with the ball, return the ball to you and form a new line behind you. Continue the process with each child until all of the children are lined up behind you. Alternatively, children can kick or roll the ball to you and then get in line behind you.