Supporting Children to Develop Fundamental Movement Skills
Understanding Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)
Fundamental Movement Skills are the basic motor skills that provide the foundation for more complex movements and sports-specific skills. These include locomotor skills (running, jumping, hopping), object control skills (throwing, catching, kicking), and stability skills (balancing, twisting, dodging).
FMS development is crucial for children's physical literacy, confidence in movement, and lifelong participation in physical activity. These skills don't develop automatically but require instruction, practice, and encouragement. Early childhood is the optimal time for FMS development as children's nervous systems are rapidly developing.
Play Based Experience 1
Obstacle Course Adventure
Create an obstacle course using cones, hoops, balance beams, and tunnels. Children can practice running, jumping, crawling, and balancing while navigating the course. Change the course regularly to challenge different movement skills and keep children engaged. This develops multiple FMS simultaneously in a fun, game-like environment.
Play Based Experience 2
Ball Skills Stations
Set up different stations with various sized balls for throwing, catching, kicking, and bouncing activities. Use scarves or balloons for beginners as they move more slowly, allowing children more time to track and catch. Progress to tennis balls and soccer balls as skills develop, building confidence and competence in object control skills.
Tips for supporting Fundamental Movement Skills
Encouraging your child to practise fundamental movement skills doesn’t need to be complicated – it can be part of everyday play. Give your child plenty of space to move freely, whether it’s in the backyard, at the park, or even indoors with safe activities. Join in the fun by playing games that involve running, hopping, skipping, throwing, and catching, as children are more motivated when parents or carers play alongside them. Keep activities short, playful, and varied to hold their attention, and celebrate effort over perfection so they build confidence. Remember, the goal is to make movement enjoyable – the more fun they have, the more likely they are to keep practising and improving.
Fundamental movement skills are the foundation for a lifetime of active play and healthy habits. Through fun games like running, hopping, skipping, throwing, and catching, children build strength, coordination, and confidence in their bodies. The videos below show easy, playful activities you can try at home to support your child’s development while keeping them engaged and having fun.
Fundamental Movement Skills: Logbook
The Fundamental Movement Skills: Logbook is a practical tool that helps track and support children’s physical development. It provides clear descriptions of key movement skills, fun activity ideas, and simple ways to monitor progress. The logbook also helps educators share information with families, making it easier to work together in building children’s confidence, coordination, and enjoyment of movement.
References
Gallahue, D. L., Ozmun, J. C., & Goodway, J. D. (2019). Understanding motor development: Infants, children, adolescents, adults (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Hardy, L. L., King, L., Farrell, L., Macniven, R., & Howlett, S. (2010). Fundamental movement skills among Australian preschool children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13(5), 503-508.
Don’t forget the fundamental movement skills! | Australian Sports Commission. (2025). Ausport.gov.au. https://www.ausport.gov.au/athlete_development/top_10_tips_for_parents/smart_bullets/tip_2
Fundamental Movement Skills. (2025). Education Resources. https://myresources.education.wa.edu.au/programs/fundamental-movement-skills
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