Large Motor

Large Motor Skills Age Norms

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Throws a:

  • 2.6 - large ball 4-5 feet
  • 2.9 - large ball 5-7 feet
  • 4.0 - small ball (tennis ball) about 10 feet
  • 4.9 - ball into medium size container (example: trash can)
  • 5.0 - small ball (tennis ball) about 20 feet

Balances on one leg without help for:

  • 2.9 - two seconds
  • 3.0 - five seconds
  • 4.6 - ten seconds

Kicks a large ball forward:

  • 2.9 - rolling ball
  • 4.6 - stationary ball while child is running

Walks alone on the stairs:

  • 2.9 - with both feet on each step, up and down the stairs
  • 3.0 - upstairs holding rail, 1 foot per step, alternate feet
  • 3.0 - downstairs holding rail, 1 foot per step, alternating feet

Climbs up playground equipment without help:

  • 2.9 - small ladders, jungle gym, and 4 ft slide

Walks/Balances on tiptoes:

  • 3.0 - walks on tiptoes for 3 steps
  • 3.9 - walks on tiptoes for 5 steps
  • 4.3 - balances on tiptoes for 3 seconds

Jumps:

  • 3.0 - over 2-inch high objects
  • 3.0 - back 1 time
  • 4.0 - over 6-inch high objects
  • 4.0 - forward 10 times
  • 5.6 - rope 2-3 times

Walks heel-to-toe in a straight line:

  • 3.0 - 3 steps forward
  • 4.0 - more than 3 steps forward

Catches thrown ball:

  • 3.0 - a large, bounced ball with hands, arms, and body
  • 3.0 - a large ball with arms and body
  • 4.9 - a bounced ball two times and catches it 1 of 3 trials
  • 4.9 - a large ball with both hands only
  • 5.0 - a tennis ball with hands only

Rides a:

  • 3.0 - tricycle using pedals
  • 5.0 - bicycle with pedals and training wheels

Hops on preferred foot without falling for:

  • 3.6 - 2 hops
  • 4.3 - 3-6 hops
  • 4.6 - 10 hops

Jumps forward without a running start:

  • 3.0 - 6-8 inches
  • 4.6 - 10-15 inches
  • 5.0 - 24 inches

Walks on straight line for:

  • 3.6 - 10 feet

Performs physical activities:

  • 4.0 - somersaults forward without help

Swing:

  • 4.6 - by himself/herself, with pumping

Jumps and runs:

  • 5.9 - in rhythm to simple tunes