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Lesson 4 - Kicking with Accuracy and Control

Throwing, Kicking & Rolling Skills

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Nursery

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use both feet to kick accurately to help our friends catch the ball?

Learning Objectives

To develop kicking accuracy using both feet
To understand why using both feet is important in games
To show increasing control when kicking objects

Key Outcomes

Students will kick a ball with some accuracy using both feet
Students will demonstrate understanding of why both feet are needed
Students will show improved control when kicking to a target

Equipment & Resources Required

Balloon Balls

15 (1 per 2 children)

Partially inflated for easier control and safety

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags for easier catching

Balls

30+ (enough for each child to collect several)

Placed in central collection area

Alternative: Soft toys, foam blocks

Hoops

15 (1 per 2 children)

Various sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Large targets, buckets, marked circles

Cones

20 for boundaries and markers

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, rope

Shuttles

Lightweight for safety, easily replaceable

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam blocks

Key Vocabulary

Accuracy

Kicking the ball exactly where you want it to go

Both feet

Using your left foot and your right foot to kick

Control

Being able to decide how hard or soft to kick the ball

Target

The place or person you are trying to hit with your kick

Standing foot

The foot that stays on the ground when you kick

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of kicking movement
Can walk and run with confidence
Has attempted to kick objects before

Current Skills

Kicking with both feet
Aiming towards targets
Controlling power in kicks

Next Steps

Kicking moving balls
Advanced target games
Team-based kicking strategies

Milestone Indicators

Uses both feet without prompting

Shows consistent contact with ball

Demonstrates improved accuracy over lesson

Key Teaching Points

Standing foot placement beside the ball is crucial for balance and accuracy
Use inside of foot for control rather than toe for power
Both feet usage makes players more versatile and unpredictable
Partner cooperation is as important as individual skill development
Gentle control is more valuable than powerful kicking at this age
Honest self-assessment helps children understand their own learning
Celebration of effort encourages continued participation and improvement

Common Misconceptions

Harder kicks are always better - correct by emphasising control and partner catching
Only using preferred foot is sufficient - demonstrate advantages of both feet
Looking down at ball during kick - encourage head up to see target
Standing foot positioning doesn't matter - show how it affects balance and accuracy
Perfect technique required immediately - celebrate attempts and gradual improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback, structured turn-taking

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra demonstration time, focus on effort over accuracy

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balloon balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning, tactile guidance for foot placement

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written or pictorial instructions, hand signals for game rules, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated kicking options, modified distances, larger targets, adapted equipment like ramp for rolling, focus on upper body throwing if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bean bags in teams, scoring catches out of 3 attempts, comparing team totals, basic addition concepts

Science

Understanding forces in kicking, balance and coordination, how different parts of foot affect ball direction

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, turn-taking, honest self-assessment, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal viewing of all pairs and groups, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for kicking technique development, cooperation between partners, safety compliance, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if children struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or disputes need resolving

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, contrast good and poor technique clearly, involve children in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Standing foot beside the ball!'
•'Gentle kicks for your partner to catch!'
•'Try your other foot now!'
•'Look at your target before you kick!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, suitable for running and kicking activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from hazards, adequate cushioning for movement activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balloon balls partially inflated for safety and easier control
•Bean bags checked for secure stitching
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones positioned to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running games
•Falls during movement activities
•Balloon balls to face area
•Overexertion in active games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Emphasis on gentle balloon ball contact only
•Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
•Regular checks on children's energy levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activities
•Monitor game intensity and interaction
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure equipment used appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other children are calm and safe