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Lesson 6 - Applying Kicking Skills in Target Games

Foundation Feet Skills and Ball Control for Young Learners

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Year 1

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Size 3 Footballs

1 per team (6 balls total)

Store balls in bag at side of activity area until needed

Alternative: Soft play balls or foam footballs for indoor use

Cones

12 cones

Set up 6 lanes with pins at the end of each lane

Alternative: Plastic bottles, tennis ball balanced on cones, bean bags

Benches

6 benches or 12 ropes

Create lane boundaries if playing indoors

Alternative: Cones in lines, painted lines on playground

Sun Markers

1 per team (6 total)

Give to team captains for score recording

Alternative: Paper and pencils, or verbal scorekeeping

Key Vocabulary

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you aim - getting the ball to go where you want it to go

Inside of foot

The flat part of your foot nearest to your other foot - the best part for accurate passing

Non-kicking foot

The foot that stays on the ground when you kick - it helps you balance and aim

Target

Something we aim at when kicking - could be goals, cones, or teammates

Control

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

Consistent use of inside of foot for accuracy

Hitting targets 7 out of 10 attempts

Demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout

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