Balls and dinner plates
 

For younger children using large, light weight plastic dinner plates may be a good alternative to racquets and bats.

Use the plates, with a one or two hand grip to return gentle throws, catch and to balance on ..

What other tools have you found useful for ball play ..

That's a nice idea - thanks:proposetoast:

Balloons are great when practising catching as they are slower than balls and a great size. You then really have time to discuss hand position, grabbing towards tummy etc:rotfl: