⚪

Lesson 6 - Kicking to Targets

Control Through Manipulation

•

Reception

•

Ball Skills

•

35 min

Big Question

How can we aim our kicks to help our partners catch the ball easily?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate kicking skills using the inside of the foot
To demonstrate control when receiving and stopping a ball
To work cooperatively with a partner in target-based activities

Key Outcomes

Students will kick a ball accurately to a partner using the inside of their foot
Students will stop and control a moving ball before kicking it back
Students will score goals through cone targets working with a partner

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around perimeter of playing area for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft play balls for nervous children

Cones

30 (for goals and boundaries)

Set up in pairs to create goals, spaced 2 metres apart

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or playground equipment

Key Vocabulary

Inside of foot

The inner side of your foot, used for accurate passing and shooting

Target

A specific place you are aiming to kick the ball towards

Control

Stopping and managing the ball so it stays close to you

Goal

The space between two cones that you try to kick the ball through

Pass

Kicking the ball to give it to your partner

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and movement skills
Experience with ball handling
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Accurate kicking using inside of foot
Ball stopping and control techniques
Partner cooperation in target games

Next Steps

Kicking with increased power and distance
Moving targets and dynamic games
Introduction to simple football games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of inside foot for kicking

Able to stop ball before kicking back

Shows awareness of partner's position when passing

Key Teaching Points

Use inside of foot for accuracy and control - demonstrate the flat surface contact
Stop the ball completely before kicking to allow time for accurate aiming
Non-kicking foot should be placed beside the ball for balance and direction
Make eye contact with partner before kicking to ensure they are ready
Communication is essential - talk to your partner about where to move next
Gentle, controlled kicks are more accurate than powerful ones
Celebrate partnership success and cooperation over individual achievement

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they must kick hard to be successful - emphasise accuracy over power
Using toe instead of inside foot - repeatedly demonstrate and correct foot contact point
Rushing to kick without stopping ball first - reinforce control before action
Focusing only on scoring rather than working with partner - emphasise cooperation
Believing bigger goals are easier - explain how partner positioning affects success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement opportunities, positive reinforcement frequent

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps, encourage and celebrate small improvements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and gestures, written instruction cards, ensure child can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Seated kicking practice, use of ramps or adapted equipment, shorter distances between partners

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting goals scored, measuring distances between partners, understanding concepts of direction and aiming

Science

Understanding forces when kicking, effects of different contact points on ball direction

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, taking turns fairly, encouraging others and celebrating success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for inside foot usage, ball control technique, partner cooperation and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships not working, technique consistently poor, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from angle where all children can see, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Inside of foot for accuracy!'
•'Stop the ball first!'
•'Look at your partner before you kick!'
•'Gentle kicks, accurate aims!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m area, indoor hall or outdoor playground suitable

Surface Check

Ensure surface is even and dry, free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones are soft-edged and visible
•All equipment appropriate size for Reception children

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between pairs working in close proximity
•Slips on balls left on ground
•Over-excitement leading to rough play

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gentle kicking throughout
•Maintain adequate spacing between pairs
•Regular reminders about ball control
•Clear stop signals and listening expectations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs simultaneously
•Monitor spacing between activities
•Watch for children becoming over-excited
•Ensure equipment is used safely

Emergency Procedures

Standard first aid protocols, clear access routes maintained, whistle available for immediate attention