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Big Question

How can we control a ball with our feet and use the correct part of our foot to shoot accurately?

Learning Objectives

  • To trap a ball using the sole of the foot and shoot at a target using the instep
  • To demonstrate goalkeeper positioning and safe catching technique
  • To show increasing control when dribbling with alternating feet

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to trap a moving ball with improved accuracy
  • Students will identify and use the instep for powerful shooting
  • Students will demonstrate basic goalkeeper stance and ball handling

Equipment & Resources Required

Medium-Sized Balls
1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for initial practice

Coloured Cones
90 (30 sets of 3)

Sets of 2 for goals, 1 for shooting position

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Dish Cones
3 (red, amber, green)

Teacher holds for warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured bean bags, coloured cones

Equipment Trolley
1

Stocked with various balls and targets for free play

Alternative: Equipment boxes or bags

Key Vocabulary

Trap

To stop a moving ball using your foot

Instep

The arched part of the top of the foot between the toes and ankle

Brace

To prepare your body in a strong, ready position

Dribble

To move the ball forward using small touches with your feet

Strike

To hit the ball with power and purpose

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Basic running and stopping movements
  • Simple ball rolling and catching
  • Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

  • Ball trapping with sole of foot
  • Shooting technique using instep
  • Basic goalkeeper positioning and catching

Next Steps

  • Trapping balls from different angles
  • Shooting while moving
  • Advanced goalkeeper techniques

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent foot placement when trapping
2
Contact ball with correct part of foot when shooting
3
Maintains ready position as goalkeeper

Key Teaching Points

  • Instep shooting provides more power and accuracy than toe shooting
  • Trapping requires being ready on toes before ball arrives
  • Goalkeepers must brace themselves and move towards the ball
  • Dribbling requires head up for spatial awareness and safety
  • Ball control improves with practice and gentle touches
  • Partner work requires communication and cooperation
  • Safety is maintained through controlled movements and awareness of others

Common Misconceptions

  • Using toe instead of instep for shooting - demonstrate power difference
  • Stamping hard on ball when trapping - show gentle controlling touch
  • Goalkeepers staying on goal line - explain importance of coming forward
  • Looking down when dribbling - practice with head up for safety
  • Rushing skills without proper technique - emphasise quality over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, movement breaks built in, clear boundaries
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls initially, extra practice time for coordination, break skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
  • Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
  • Modified shooting distances, seated goalkeeping options, larger targets for shooting

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in 1-2-3 game, measuring distances with steps, understanding angles for shooting

Science

Forces when kicking ball, friction between boot and ball, balance and coordination

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, taking turns, encouraging others, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all students, move around to observe technique closely

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot positioning in trapping and shooting, check spatial awareness during movement

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with ball control or if unsafe play develops

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues
  • 'Soft touches!'
  • 'Head up!'
  • 'Use your instep!'
  • 'Trap first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Balls appropriate size and inflation for age group
  • Cones with no sharp edges or damage
  • Equipment trolley stable and accessible

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes to head or body
  • Collisions during movement
  • Slips during direction changes
  • Falls when goalkeeping
Risk Mitigation
  • Emphasise controlled ball work throughout
  • Clear boundaries and adequate spacing
  • Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
  • Safe goalkeeping technique demonstrated

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for clear view of all activities
  • Monitor ball work for safety
  • Be alert during free play section
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required