Lesson 4 - Kicking with Accuracy and Control
Throwing, Kicking & Rolling Skills
•Nursery
•Target Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Partially inflated for easier control and safety
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags for easier catching
Placed in central collection area
Alternative: Soft toys, foam blocks
Various sizes available for differentiation
Alternative: Large targets, buckets, marked circles
Bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, rope
Lightweight for safety, easily replaceable
Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam blocks
Key Vocabulary
Kicking the ball exactly where you want it to go
Using your left foot and your right foot to kick
Being able to decide how hard or soft to kick the ball
The place or person you are trying to hit with your kick
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
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