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Lesson 3 - Striking for Power and Accuracy

Accuracy Skills & Target Practice

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Reception

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per child (30)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Medium-sized sponge balls, foam balls

Dish Cones

20-25

Various colours for different activities

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags

Hoops

Different colours to match cone colours

Alternative: Large target circles made with rope

Shuttles

10-12

Positioned safely in centre of playing area

Alternative: Plastic bottles, soft play cones

Large Soft Balls

Easily identifiable for warm-up game

Alternative: Different coloured ball for 'Golden baller'

Key Vocabulary

Laces

The top part of your foot where your shoelaces are - used for powerful kicks

Lean back

Tilting your body backwards slightly when kicking to make the ball go higher

Striking

Hitting the ball firmly with your foot to send it towards a target

Power

Using force to kick the ball hard and far

Approach

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

Consistent contact with ball using laces

Observable lean back for height attempts

Improved accuracy over lesson duration

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