Lesson 6 - Applying Kicking Skills in Target Games
Foundation Feet Skills and Ball Control for Young Learners
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
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How can we use accurate kicking to become brilliant goal scorers and game winners?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate kicking (passing) technique using the inside of the foot
- To apply kicking skills in competitive target games to score points
- To understand the importance of accuracy and control when kicking towards targets
Key Outcomes
- Students will kick a ball accurately towards targets using the inside of their foot
- Students will demonstrate understanding of why accuracy is important in games
- Students will work collaboratively in teams and show good sportsmanship
Equipment & Resources Required
Store balls in bag at side of activity area until needed
Alternative: Soft play balls or foam footballs for indoor use
Set up 6 lanes with pins at the end of each lane
Alternative: Plastic bottles, tennis ball balanced on cones, bean bags
Create lane boundaries if playing indoors
Alternative: Cones in lines, painted lines on playground
Give to team captains for score recording
Alternative: Paper and pencils, or verbal scorekeeping
Key Vocabulary
Hitting exactly where you aim - getting the ball to go where you want it to go
The flat part of your foot nearest to your other foot - the best part for accurate passing
The foot that stays on the ground when you kick - it helps you balance and aim
Something we aim at when kicking - could be goals, cones, or teammates
Making the ball do exactly what you want it to do
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic kicking with different parts of the foot
- Understanding of taking turns and following simple rules
- Awareness of targets and aiming
Current Skills
- Accurate kicking using inside of foot
- Applying kicking skills in competitive games
- Understanding accuracy and control in target games
Next Steps
- Kicking moving balls accurately
- Passing to teammates in small-sided games
- Defending and attacking strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Non-kicking foot placement beside ball pointing towards target like an arrow
- Use inside of foot for accuracy rather than power
- Follow through towards target after ball contact
- Accuracy and control are more important than power in target games
- Good sportsmanship includes encouraging teammates and honest scoring
- Taking turns and following rules helps everyone learn and have fun
- Individual improvement and effort are as valuable as winning
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking harder kicks are always better - correct by demonstrating controlled accuracy
- Using toe instead of inside of foot - show difference in control and accuracy
- Placing both feet behind ball - demonstrate non-kicking foot beside ball for aiming
- Focusing only on winning - emphasise learning, improvement, and fair play
- Rushing kicks without preparation - encourage taking time to set up properly
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rounds, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback, structured team roles
dyspraxia
- Larger targets, slower demonstration pace, additional practice time, simplified scoring system
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, predictable turn order
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of target positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written scoring systems on boards
physical disability
- Seated bowling variation, larger balls, closer targets, adapted equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary, explaining techniques to others
Maths
Counting scores, adding pin totals, comparing numbers, measuring distances between start and target
Science
Forces and motion when kicking, friction affecting ball movement, body balance and coordination
PSHE
Teamwork skills, honesty in scoring, celebrating others' achievements, managing emotions in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between lanes during activities, position at front during demonstrations, stay visible to all students
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, safety compliance, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggle with turn-taking, need technique support, or show poor sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Arrow foot pointing to target!'
- •'Smooth inside foot like a tennis racket!'
- •'Accuracy over power!'
- •'Great technique, that's why it worked!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m hard surface area, or large indoor hall
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or loose objects
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify benches are stable if used for lane boundaries
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during ball retrieval
- •Slips from overenthusiastic kicking
- •Ball strikes to other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane boundaries to prevent crossover
- •Controlled ball retrieval system
- •Emphasis on waiting for turns
- •Adequate spacing between teams
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all lanes during activities
- •Move between teams to monitor behaviour and technique
- •Watch for signs of frustration or overcompetitive behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess any incidents, apply appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required