From Throws to Catches: Measuring Propulsive and Receptive Object Control Skills in Primary School Children in First to Fourth Grade

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a modified eye–hand coordination test for measuring object control skills in children in Grades 1–4, considering both propulsive (throws) and receptive (catches) skills. A cross-sectional design was used, assessing 573 children. The existing eye–hand coordination test of the KTK3+ was adjusted by increasing the throwing distance and adding a mandatory bounce before catching. Kruskal–Wallis tests and intraclass correlation coefficients were computed. Older children outperformed younger peers in all metrics. Using a combined score (throws and catches) reduced floor effects, reducing scoring limitations for younger children. Reliability was high across age groups (intraclass correlation coefficient: .90–.93), though slightly lower in the youngest group. The modified eye–hand coordination test is valid and reliable for children in Grades 3 and 4; for children in Grades 1 and 2, it is recommended to assess only their propulsive skills. Further research should explore the suitability and feasibility of this test for children in Grades 1 and 2.