Lesson 5 - Kicking Control and Technique
Foundation Ball Control and Multi-Body Coordination
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
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How can we use our feet to send a ball exactly where we want it to go?
Learning Objectives
- To develop control and technique when kicking a ball
- To coordinate body movements for accurate ball sending and receiving
- To apply kicking skills in game-like situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled kicking using the inside of the foot
- Students will show improved accuracy when passing to a partner
- Students will apply kicking skills in competitive game scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around teaching area for boundaries and targets
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or jumpers
Check inflation levels - should bounce to waist height when dropped
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, foam balls for nervous students
Key Vocabulary
The flat inner side of your foot used for accurate passing
The foot that stays on the ground for balance while the other foot kicks
Gently stopping the ball by absorbing its force with your foot
Keeping the ball close and manageable before making your next move
The person or place you are aiming to send the ball to
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body coordination and spatial awareness
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Experience with simple ball handling activities
Current Skills
- Controlled kicking using inside of foot
- Ball stopping and cushioning techniques
- Partner cooperation in ball activities
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques with both feet
- Kicking while moving at speed
- Small-sided games with tactical awareness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always use the inside of the foot for accurate kicking - it provides the largest, flattest contact surface
- Place non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing towards target, for balance and direction
- Control the ball first by cushioning and stopping it before attempting to kick
- Focus on accuracy over power - a well-placed gentle kick is better than a wild powerful one
- Communication with partners and teammates is essential for successful ball activities
- Progress from simple partner work to more complex game situations gradually
- Encourage problem-solving about kick placement and team strategies
Common Misconceptions
- Using toes to kick - leads to lack of control and potential injury. Correct: Use flat inside surface of foot
- Kicking at moving balls - reduces accuracy significantly. Correct: Stop ball first, then kick with control
- Placing non-kicking foot behind ball - affects balance and direction. Correct: Place beside ball pointing at target
- Focusing only on power - sacrifices accuracy and control. Correct: Develop accuracy first, power comes later
- Working individually in team games - reduces effectiveness. Correct: Communicate and cooperate for best results
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities short and varied, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between static activities
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls for easier contact, break down skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule if helpful, offer quiet break space if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball location, assign sighted partner for guidance and safety
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure students can see teacher at all times
physical disability
- Adapt to seated ball rolling if necessary, use larger lighter balls, reduce distances between partners
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes and runs, measuring distances with steps, understanding of spatial concepts like 'beside' and 'between'
Science
Understanding of forces - how harder kicks create more force, friction between ball and surface affecting movement
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding of direction and positioning, mapping movement patterns around space
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions during competitive activities, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activities to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot contact, body positioning, and partner cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, when students show frustration, or when cooperation breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students to help demonstrate when appropriate. Ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly.
Verbal Cues
- •'Inside of foot for accuracy!'
- •'Plant your standing foot beside the ball!'
- •'Stop it first, then kick it!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hard surface area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Check playground surface is dry and free from debris, no loose stones or holes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate number of balls to avoid sharing conflicts
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body from poor kicking technique
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on playground surface
- •Overexertion during running activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled, accurate kicking rather than power
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
- •Ensure adequate spacing between pairs and groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe maximum number of students during activities
- •Pay particular attention during kick cricket for ball retrieval safety
- •Monitor individual students who may struggle with coordination
- •Be alert for signs of frustration leading to unsafe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and contact school office if required