Relationship of hand length to catching performance by children in kindergarten to grade 2

This study examined the relationship between hand length and catching performance by 257 children (142 boys, 115 girls) in Grades K-2. Children's catching performance was determined by the number of successful catches (0-5) when a small ball was tossed underhand from 10 ft. Specifically, the children were tested on the qualitative aspects of catching, i.e., form, and catching accuracy, i.e., successful catching. Hand length was measured by standard anthropometric technique. A multiple regression analysis showed age, sex, and hand length contributed significantly (p = .001) to catching accuracy and catching form. Implications for instruction and further research are offered.