E-learning
Training materials for coaches
Practical exercises with video demonstrations to develop fundamental movement skills in children aged 6 to 12, applicable in any sport.
Introductory presentation
What are fundamental movement skills?
A short introduction for coaches: what fundamental movement skills are, why they matter, how they develop and what influences their development. With example games for different levels and a list of basic exercises by area.
1 / 20Materials for coaches
STEPS handbook
The Small feet – big steps project handbook: what fundamental movement skills are and how they develop, how to teach an exercise, safety and inclusion of children, selected STEPS exercises, how to plan a training session, monitoring progress and guidance for coaches according to the child's difficulties.
Exercise programme
Fundamental movement skills, step by step
Eleven exercises for children in four areas: locomotion, balance, jumping and ball skills. Each exercise includes a video demonstration, a goal, a description of how to perform it, notes for the coach and a suggested adaptation to the child's abilities.
Locomotion
2 exercisesLocomotion
Forward running
To develop the basic running pattern and the coordination of arm and leg movements.
How to perform
The child runs forward along a straight track. The arms are bent at the elbows and move in alternation with the legs. The gaze is directed in the direction of movement, and the trunk is upright with a slight forward lean.
Notes for the coach
Make sure the track is clear and there is room to stop. Watch whether the arms move in a relaxed way and in coordination with the legs.
Adaptation
Start with light running over a short distance, then gradually vary the pace or the length of the track.
Locomotion
Backward walking and running
To develop coordination, balance and spatial awareness when moving backwards.
How to perform
The child first walks backwards with short, controlled steps. Once walking is secure, the child gradually speeds up and moves into a light backward run. The trunk stays upright and the arms help maintain balance. While moving, the child occasionally checks the space behind them.
Notes for the coach
Mark out a straight track free of obstacles and keep a safe distance between the children. Increase speed only once the child controls the direction of movement.
Adaptation
Start by walking backwards for 5–10 metres. For a harder version, alternate walking and light running backwards.
Balance
3 exercisesBalance
Single-leg balance
To develop balance and control of body position on one leg.
How to perform
The child stands upright on one leg and raises the knee of the other leg in front of the body. Looking straight ahead, the child tries to hold the position for a few seconds without lowering the raised leg, then switches legs.
Notes for the coach
Check that the trunk stays upright and that the child can hold the position without excessive swaying. Help by telling the child to keep their eyes on one point in front of them.
Adaptation
For an easier version, shorten the duration or allow light support with one hand. For a harder version, extend the holding time.
Balance
Balance walk on a line
To develop balance and control of body position while walking.
How to perform
The child walks forward along a marked straight line, placing one foot in front of the other. The gaze is directed forward and the trunk is held upright. The arms may be stretched out to the sides to make balancing easier.
Notes for the coach
Watch whether the child stays on the line. If they lose their balance, they should stop, place their feet back on the line and continue.
Adaptation
For an easier version, allow a wider gap between the feet and outstretched arms. For a harder version, the child can keep the arms by the sides or walk placing the heel of the front foot directly in front of the toes of the back foot.
Balance
Dynamic balance walk over obstacles
To develop balance while moving, coordination and control of weight transfer from one leg to the other.
How to perform
The child walks forward over a row of obstacles, lifting each leg high enough to clear the obstacle and then placing the foot on the ground in a controlled way. The video shows the progression from flat markers to raised obstacles.
Notes for the coach
Encourage the child to move without rushing and without touching the obstacles. Adjust the height and spacing so the child can keep their balance.
Adaptation
Start with flat markers on the ground, then introduce low obstacles.
Jumping
3 exercisesJumping
Two-foot jump
To develop a simultaneous take-off from both feet and a controlled landing.
How to perform
The child stands with feet roughly hip-width apart, bends the knees, pushes off with both feet and jumps on the spot. The child lands on both feet, bending the knees to cushion the landing.
Notes for the coach
Watch whether the child pushes off with both feet at the same time and can keep their balance after landing.
Adaptation
Start with single jumps and a short pause between them. Once the landings are stable, link several jumps together.
Jumping
Hopping on one foot
To develop balance and control of take-off and landing on one leg.
How to perform
The child stands on one leg while the other is bent and lifted off the ground. The child does several hops on the same leg and tries to hold a stable position after each landing, then switches legs.
Notes for the coach
Encourage the child to look ahead and land with a slightly bent knee. Watch whether they can keep their balance without putting the other foot down.
Adaptation
Start with single hops. For a harder version, link several hops together or hop forward.
Jumping
Jumping over obstacles
To develop coordination and control of take-off and landing when clearing obstacles.
How to perform
The child jumps with both feet over a row of low obstacles, taking off with both feet and landing on both feet with slightly bent knees. After jumping forward, the child can also try jumping sideways. The video shows flat markers and low hurdles.
Notes for the coach
Adjust the height and spacing of the obstacles to the child. Watch the landing and prioritise movement control before increasing speed.
Adaptation
Start by jumping over flat markers. Once the child links the jumps confidently, introduce low hurdles or sideways jumps.
Ball skills
3 exercisesBall skills
Rolling a ball at a target
To develop hand–eye coordination and the judgement of direction and force of movement.
How to perform
The child stands behind a marked line, bends the knees slightly and lowers the ball towards the ground, then rolls it by hand towards the target, such as the cone shown in the video. After each attempt, the child follows the path of the ball and adjusts the next roll.
Notes for the coach
Encourage the child to release the ball low so that it rolls along the ground. Adjust the distance to the target to the child's success.
Adaptation
For an easier version, move the target closer or set up two cones for the ball to pass between. For a harder version, increase the distance or make the target smaller.
Ball skills
Catching a ball
To develop hand–eye coordination, tracking the path of the ball and timely reaction.
How to perform
The child stands facing the person throwing the ball. The child follows the ball with their eyes, reaches towards it and catches it with both hands, drawing the hands slightly towards the body. After catching, the child passes the ball back to the partner.
Notes for the coach
Start with gentle passes at roughly chest height. Encourage the child to follow the ball with their eyes right up to the moment of catching.
Adaptation
For an easier version, use a bigger, softer ball and a shorter distance. For a harder version, increase the distance or change the height of the pass.
Ball skills
Throwing a ball at a target
To develop throwing accuracy, hand–eye coordination and the judgement of distance.
How to perform
The child stands behind a marked line and throws the ball at a target, for example the cone shown in the video. The child looks at the target and adjusts the direction and force of the throw.
Notes for the coach
Place the target at a distance from which the child can complete the task successfully. After each throw, encourage the child to notice where the ball went and adjust the next attempt.
Adaptation
For an easier version, move the target closer or make it bigger. For a harder version, increase the distance or make the target smaller.
Languages
In every partner's language
The materials will be available in English, Croatian, Slovenian and Bulgarian, so that they are accessible to coaches in every country.
Coach training
Would you like to use the programme in your club?
Registrations for the coach training “Developing fundamental movement skills in children” are open. Get in touch and join the project.
Contact us
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.