Gross Motor Development

Gross motor pertains to a child's ability to use and control the large muscles of his/her body, especially the arms, legs and trunk. Please remember that all children develop at different rates, the information below sequences motor development, it is not absolute.

2-3 Years

• Walks up steps with assistance
• Walks down steps with assistance and usually 2 feet on each riser
• Jumps down from 16-20 inches
• Jumps forward 12 inches
• Stands on one foot for 1-3 seconds
• Catches a ball against body thrown from 5 feet away
• Throws a ball 5 feet
• Kicks a stationary ball 6 feet
• Hops on one foot three times
• Propels a tricycle with both feet on the ground, and feet propel in an alternating manner

3-4 years

• Walks up/down steps without assistance
• Jumps down 24-30 inches
• Jumps forward 26-30 inches
• Jumps over a 2 inch object
• Stands on one foot for 3-6 seconds
• Heel/toe walks on a straight line
• Catches a playground ball with hands away from the body
• Throws a tennis ball 10 feet
• Kick a slow rolling ball
• Hops on the dominant foot for 5 hops, 1 hop on the non-dominant foot
• Rides a tricycle

4-5 years

• Jumps down 32 inches
• Jumps forward 36 inches
• Jumps over a 6-8 inch high object
• Begins to walk backward
• Catches a ball thrown from 8-10 feet away, with hands away from body
• Throws a ball overhand 5-12 feet to a target
• Turns one somersault

5-6 years

• Jumps over a rope that is 10 inches high
• Walks forwards and sideways on a 4 inch wide floor balance beam
• Stands on one foot with eyes closed for 3 seconds
• Bounces and catches a tennis ball
• Throws 12 feet to a target with step and throw motion
• Walks up to a rolling ball and kicks ball into the air
• Skips 10 feet
• Hops on one foot for 20 feet
• Can do 3 push-ups on the edge of a chair

American Academy of Pediatrics - Additional resources regarding development