Which is an effective way to help a student maintain their ball throwing skill?

Teaching a student to play catch with a friend is an effective way to help them maintain their ball throwing skill for several reasons. First, engaging in interactive play with a partner provides opportunities for consistent practice, which is essential for skill retention. When a student throws a ball to a peer, they can receive immediate feedback, both in terms of their throwing accuracy and the social dynamics of throwing and receiving. This interaction encourages not only the maintenance of the throwing skill but also the development of social skills.

Furthermore, playing catch promotes motivation and enjoyment, making the practice feel less like a repetitive task and more like a fun activity. This positive reinforcement of the experience engages the student further and upholds their interest in continuing to practice the skill.

In contrast, other methods, such as throwing balls horizontally or limiting practice to solo activities, lack the social interaction and immediate feedback that make the learning experience richer and more effective. Observing others throw may provide some visual learning, but it does not allow the student to actively engage and apply skills, ultimately making it less effective for maintaining their throwing ability.