Working on motor coordination in a fun way

Motor coordination is one of the most important components of motor skills. It affects a child’s level of functioning and, at a later stage, also their self-esteem and engagement in the learning process.

Motor coordination – why is it so important?

Motor coordination is responsible for the sense of balance, but the definition of motor coordination does not end there. It also includes skills such as:

• agility,
• dexterity,
• reaction speed,
• motor memory,
• sense of rhythm,
• deep muscle sensation,
• orientation in space,
• ability to couple.

In addition, motor coordination consists of the most important motor skills. Without developing them, you will not have a chance in any sport. This is why motor coordination exercises are so important.

Movement coordination also protects the body from injuries and equips it with the ability to have the right movement instinct, which is extremely useful, especially in unexpected situations, e.g. during a fall or unstable ground.

With proper motor coordination, you will know how to fall to the ground so as not to hurt yourself. In addition, you will also be able to cope with any difficult motor situation.

Motor coordination develops during any physical activity, mainly during play, dancing or various types of team games. It is certainly worth encouraging children to move, because this is the only way to be sure that they will be fit and develop proper motor coordination.

Motor coordination – exercise suggestions

To practice motor coordination, contrary to appearances, you don’t need much. You can do it while practicing regular, specific physical activities, such as:

• team games: volleyball, basketball, handball, football,
• swimming,
• dance,
• functional training,
• martial arts,
• fitness exercises,
• gymnastics and acrobatics,
• ball games.

Motor coordination can also be trained through specific physical exercises. They can help both children and adults.

• Swallow

 The swallow is an exercise that is performed on one leg. It comes down to stretching your arms out in front of you while standing on one leg. It has a very good effect on strength endurance, trains fitness and agility, and in addition develops the stabilization of the whole body.

• Jumping on a rope

Jumping rope is very good for developing motor coordination in both children and adults. In addition, it is an exercise that increases anaerobic and aerobic capacity. When jumping rope, you can systematically increase the intensity of this exercise. In addition, you can also start introducing various types of additional difficulties (e.g. jumping on one leg or alternately or jumping with crossing the rope).

• Sprinting through obstacle courses/playground fun

Running through an obstacle course is a very good idea for the overall development of motor skills. You can choose a ready-made obstacle course or prepare it yourself. Your own playground will be useful for this purpose. All you need to do is “spice it up” (e.g. add obstacles made of chairs or bottles). Running through an obstacle course is an effective physical effort that has a positive effect on motor coordination. In addition, it improves joint mobility, muscle strength and overall body efficiency.

• One leg exercises

Single-leg exercises are very good for those who have difficulty maintaining balance. These can include: standing on one leg, single-leg squats, ballerina yoga pose.

• Crazy Ball Exercise

The children must line up in front of their parent or guardian, because they will be the one throwing to each child who is first, in different ways: from below, from above, from the floor. An additional difficulty may be “curving” the ball. The child should not know how the throw will be made to them.

• Forward and backward rolls

The once and now popular somersaults are an excellent exercise that develops motor coordination. They can be introduced from a young age. Forward and backward somersaults improve coordination, and in addition, they have a positive effect on joint mobility. For the comfort and safety of the exerciser, it is best to perform them on a gym mat.

• Exercise “Bombardment”

You need to prepare as many sensory balls as possible in a bucket or basket. Children should approach one by one and stand in front of their parent at a distance of about two meters. The parent should start throwing one or two balls, without any break. The child should hit or touch as many balls as possible.

You can start training motor coordination at any age. It is important to match the difficulty of the exercises to your age, health and current physical condition. You should also remember to be consistent, because only systematically performing exercises will provide the expected results.