The problem of searching for potential opportunities for the development of independence and activity of a growing person, as a condition for the harmonious development of the individual, attracts the attention of researchers, teachers, and parents. It is reflected in the Federal State Educational Standard for preschool education, where the development of independence and activity is defined as the target of modern preschool education. Pedagogical support for the development of children's initiative and independence is considered by the authors from the point of view of its implementation in the motor activity of preschool children. At present, motor activity is of particular importance as a fundamental condition for the education of a healthy person. The optimal level of motor activity for each child positively affects all functions and systems of the body, health and development, increases resistance to adverse factors. The decrease in motor activity indicators and the limited independent motor activity of preschool children is a problem that hinders the full-fledged processes of their socialization and physical education. This determines the relevance of the research at the socio-pedagogical level and causes the need for scientific justification of new strategies for developing children's independence and activity in motor activity. The aim of the research is to identify the problems of formation of independence and activity of senior preschoolers in motor activity, search for pedagogical opportunities to overcome them. Based on comparative analysis and generalization of the results of modern research, expert assessments of 336 preschool teachers in the Belgorod region, the range of problems of formation of independence and activity of children aged 5-7 years in motor activity is determined. According to the results of ranking teachers' responses, the following factors have a negative impact on the development of independence and activity of senior preschoolers in motor activity: lack of interest and needs of the child in independent motor activity; lack of their motor-game experience; excessive guardianship or lack of attention to the problem of regulating motor activity on the part of adults. The research confirms the necessity of searching and scientific substantiation of new approaches, means, forms of development of independence and motor activity of preschool children.