Lesson 3 - Striking for Power and Accuracy
Accuracy Skills & Target Practice
•Reception
•Target Games
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How can we use different parts of our foot to make the ball go exactly where we want it?
Learning Objectives
- To strike a ball with the foot using different parts for power and accuracy
- To understand which part of the foot creates power in striking
- To demonstrate safe equipment handling and storage
Key Outcomes
- Students will strike balls with increasing power using the laces
- Students will show understanding of body position for height and distance
- Students will handle equipment safely and responsibly
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Medium-sized sponge balls, foam balls
Various colours for different activities
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags
Different colours to match cone colours
Alternative: Large target circles made with rope
Positioned safely in centre of playing area
Alternative: Plastic bottles, soft play cones
Easily identifiable for warm-up game
Alternative: Different coloured ball for 'Golden baller'
Key Vocabulary
The top part of your foot where your shoelaces are - used for powerful kicks
Tilting your body backwards slightly when kicking to make the ball go higher
Hitting the ball firmly with your foot to send it towards a target
Using force to kick the ball hard and far
The steps you take before kicking the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball familiarity from previous lessons
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
- Basic listening and following instructions
Current Skills
- Striking with laces for power
- Body positioning for height and distance
- Target accuracy development
Next Steps
- Combining power and accuracy in game situations
- Advanced striking techniques
- Tactical understanding in target games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Drop the ball rather than throwing upwards to maintain head position and control
- Strike through the ball with laces for maximum power
- Lean back slightly during contact to achieve greater height
- Use different parts of foot for different distances - laces for power, inside for control
- Take 3-4 steps approach for momentum without losing balance
- Keep eyes on ball throughout the striking motion
- Follow through in direction of intended target
Common Misconceptions
- Using toe instead of laces reduces power and accuracy - demonstrate proper laces contact
- Throwing ball up instead of dropping creates inconsistent striking position
- Leaning forward instead of back keeps ball low - show contrast clearly
- Rushing the approach affects balance and timing - emphasise controlled run-up
- Looking at target instead of ball during strike reduces accuracy
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, simplified instructions
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, reduced complexity, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed, predictable transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for instructions, written or picture instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated versions using hands to strike, modified distances, larger targets and softer balls
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces in kicking, trajectory and gravity effects, body mechanics and movement
Geography
Direction and spatial awareness, mapping the golf course layout
Mathematics
Counting kicks in golf, measuring distances, timing ball flight, scoring systems
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, honesty in self-assessment, encouraging others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all activities, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for laces contact, lean back technique, accuracy improvement, safe participation
Intervention Points
Support struggling children with technique, ensure safety during equipment collection, manage group dynamics
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for contrast, involve children in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Laces for power!'
- •'Lean back for height!'
- •'Drop and strike!'
- •'Aim for your target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m, clear of obstacles, adequate run-up space for kicking
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and kicking
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated but not over-hard
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify hoops are intact with no broken sections
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during running activities
- •Falls during rapid direction changes
- •Equipment collection timing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Controlled ball collection timing
- •Gentle striking emphasis in warm-up
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all kicking activities
- •Monitor equipment collection areas
- •Watch for fatigue in younger children
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid, contact school procedures