Playing catch has been classic for a father and children (boys in particular). This could be the case, even though there might be a little difference between the past and present.
A parent and a child enjoy a game, throwing a ball back and forth to each other. Actions are quite simple and repeated and mostly after a game they seem to be refreshed. Probably, I got this image too strongly from a scene in a TV drama.

I have noticed recently that playing catch has many things in common with Shogi.
I would like to argue why I think so!

The first, Shogi and playing catch are both played by two persons. Simple equipment is good enough for them; gloves and a ball are for playing catch, on the other hand, a board and pieces for Shogi. One is a sport, so good for your body and the other is a mind-sport, so good for your brain to sweat.
Not least, the most characteristic common point is their alternately repeated actions; one throwing to another, and likewise one moving to another.

I think Shogi is very similar to conversation; you advocate your opinion and then listen to your partner’s opinion and vice versa.
During a Shogi game, you may enjoy a conversation with your opponent and sometimes the conversation gets lively or you might have a break (or no words during a professional game). As when you are engaged in a conversation, during a Shogi game you will try to understand your opponent’s feelings and thoughts according to his/her attitudes or mood. It could be said that Shogi is a conversation.

Why don’t you spend your holidays, playing catch on a sunny day and Shogi on a rainy or freezing day, surely you can enjoy playing Shogi on a beautiful sunny day, as well. You many have a good conversation with your children. You bet it is!