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The Elbow Catch Trick

The Elbow Catch Trick
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Learn and practice the Elbow Catch Trick by tossing a small soft ball and catching it with your elbow, improving coordination, timing, and focus.

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Step-by-step guide to perform the Elbow Catch Trick

What you need
Comfortable clothes, small soft ball

Step 1

Find a small soft ball.

Step 2

Put on comfortable clothes.

Step 3

Clear an open space around you so you have room to move.

Step 4

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step 5

Turn your body sideways so the hand with the ball is a bit behind you.

Step 6

Bend the elbow of your catching arm to about a 90-degree angle and point the elbow up.

Step 7

Hold the ball in your other hand at chest height.

Step 8

Toss the ball gently about one foot above your elbow with a soft underhand throw.

Step 9

Keep your eyes on the ball as it falls toward your elbow.

Step 10

Let the ball land against the inside of your elbow and stop it there.

Step 11

Practice five times and then try to catch the ball three times in a row for a challenge.

Step 12

Share your finished elbow catch trick on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a small soft ball?

Use a rolled-up sock, a lightweight foam or sponge ball, or a crumpled paper ball wrapped in a soft cloth as substitutes for the 'small soft ball' in step 1.

Why does the ball keep bouncing off my elbow and how do I fix it?

If it bounces off, make your toss softer using the 'soft underhand throw' in step 7, double-check your catching elbow is bent about 90° and pointed up as in step 5, and keep your eyes on the ball (step 8) so it stops against the inside of your elbow (step 9).

How can I adapt this trick for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, sit down, stand closer, and use a larger soft ball or rolled-up sock from step 1 with fewer repetitions, while older kids can stand farther away, toss a bit higher than one foot (step 7), or go straight for the three-in-a-row challenge (step 10).

How can we make the elbow catch trick more fun or personalized?

Personalize it by decorating the ball, trying the sequence left elbow then right elbow, timing five practice tries, filming your success, and sharing the finished elbow catch on DIY.org as suggested in step 11 while aiming for the three catches-in-a-row challenge (step 10).

Watch videos on how to perform the Elbow Catch Trick

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Facts about coordination and motor skills for kids

⏱️ Your visual reaction time is around 200 milliseconds on average — faster eyes and a steady gaze help nail the catch.

🧠 Practice builds brain pathways — repeating the same toss-and-catch strengthens neural connections so the trick becomes easier.

💪 Short steady practice (10–15 minutes a day) usually improves a new motor skill faster than one long session.

🤸‍♀️ Kids make big gains in coordination between ages 6–10, so regular play with balls really boosts motor development.

🤹‍♂️ Juggling skills transfer — practicing unusual catches (like with your elbow) often improves overall timing and ball control.

How do you do the Elbow Catch Trick?

To do the Elbow Catch Trick, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed. Hold a small soft ball in one hand, bend the elbow you’ll catch with to create a small pocket, and toss the ball underhand a short distance so it arcs into the inner elbow crease. Keep your eyes on the ball, soften your forearm on impact, and cradle it with the other hand if needed. Start close and slow, increase distance and speed as skill improves, and practice with both arms.

What materials do I need for the Elbow Catch Trick?

You’ll need a small soft ball—foam, a stress ball, or an inflated balloon—plus comfortable clothes and an open, clutter-free space. Optional items: a soft mat for falls, cones or tape to mark practice distance, a timer for rounds, and hand wipes to keep the ball clean. Avoid hard or heavy balls; choose something squeezable to reduce injury risk. Supervision is recommended for younger children.

What ages is the Elbow Catch Trick suitable for?

This activity suits children with basic hand-eye coordination, typically ages 4 and up. Children 4–6 will need close adult help and a very soft ball. Ages 7–12 can practice independently and build consistency; teens and adults can refine timing and athletic skills. Adjust distance, toss height, and speed to each child’s ability, and encourage practicing with both the dominant and non-dominant arm for balanced development.

What safety tips should I follow for the Elbow Catch Trick?

Use a soft, lightweight ball and practice over carpet or a mat to cushion falls. Clear the area of furniture and sharp objects, remove jewelry, and supervise younger kids. Teach gentle throws—avoid high or fast tosses—and stop if a child has pain. Warm up wrists and shoulders before practice, and clean the ball regularly if multiple children are sharing it to maintain hygiene.
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The Elbow Catch Trick. Activities for Kids.