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Lesson 5 - Kicking Control and Technique

Foundation Ball Control and Multi-Body Coordination

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Year 1

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Distributed around teaching area for boundaries and targets

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or jumpers

Balls

15 (1 between 2 students)

Check inflation levels - should bounce to waist height when dropped

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, foam balls for nervous students

Key Vocabulary

Inside of foot

The flat inner side of your foot used for accurate passing

Non-kicking foot

The foot that stays on the ground for balance while the other foot kicks

Cushioning

Gently stopping the ball by absorbing its force with your foot

Control

Keeping the ball close and manageable before making your next move

Target

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

Consistent contact with inside of foot

Ball travels in intended direction 7/10 times

Demonstrates controlled stopping before kicking

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