The development of throwing movements in early childhood from the perspective of health sociology.pdf

Japanese preschool children have poor throwing skills. This situation was similar during the childhood days of todayʼs preschool teachers and parents. Both children and adults have had very few opportunities to throwballs, because preschools and homes in Japan havenʼt had gardens or are small and playing with balls have been prohibited in public parks. Therefore, they find it difficult to throw balls by themselves and show or teach how to throw balls. This study examined the ways in which preschool teachers and parents can improve childrenʼs throwing movements. Eleven children were asked to throw a tennis ball. We observed that children who were unable to throw the ball well were looking down, their faces were not facing the direction in which they wanted to throw, and their feet were together; hence, the center of gravity was not shifted, they were throwing sideways, and their shoulders were not rotating. Therefore, we can conclude that the line of sight, feet, and shoulders improved childrenʼs throwing movements. Verbal instructions were given to the children to look upward, place the leg opposite the throwing arm in front, rotate their shoulders, and throw from above. Consequently, the childrenʼs throwing movements strikingly improved, and the throwing distance increased in 7 of the 11 children. The verbal instructions used in this study can be used by preschool teachers and parents who are unable to provide accurate demonstrations and are thought to be helpful in improving childrenʼs throwing movements. Childrenʼs delay of development of throwing a ball movement is health sociological problem. In order to cope with it, health sociological approach by the government and community governments would be necessary.