Physical skills that require extensive bodily motions, usually encompassing the full body, are referred to as "gross motor" development. Gross means "big" rather than "disgusting" in this context. Young children quit "toddling," or walking in the awkward, wide-legged robot-like stance that is characteristic of fledgling walkers, between the ages of 2 and 3. They gain the capacity to run, jump, and hop as their gait becomes more fluid. Throwing and catching sports with larger balls are appropriate for children of this age. They can also use their feet to propel themselves around while riding on a toy.
