Ball wrestling is a great activity for your child as it provides proprioceptive input. The deep pressure applied to push against the ball is heavy work for a child, activating muscles and joints with the pushing motion. We use proprioceptive input and motor planning to grade and apply the right amount of force. This activity is also great for building core strength, upper limb strength and helping with regulation.
For this activity you will need two people to join. Start on your knees holding a large exercise ball, make sure you don’t lock out at your knees and hips instead ensure they are soft with a slight bend. Apply pressure to the ball through your hands. Keep your elbows close in towards your body. The aim is to push against the ball trying to keep it steady until someone loses balance.
You can complete this activity standing again making sure you keep your knees and hips soft.
Another way to complete this activity is lying down in a prone position. This uses deep proprioceptive input and is an added challenge. You can also add some pillows or cushions for extra crash which adds further proprioceptive input
