Lesson 6 - Kicking to Targets
Control Through Manipulation
•Reception
•Ball Skills
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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
Distributed around perimeter of playing area for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft play balls for nervous children
Set up in pairs to create goals, spaced 2 metres apart
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or playground equipment
Key Vocabulary
The inner side of your foot, used for accurate passing and shooting
A specific place you are aiming to kick the ball towards
Stopping and managing the ball so it stays close to you
The space between two cones that you try to kick the ball through
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
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