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Big Question

How can I control where the ball goes when I kick or strike it?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop punting technique using laces of the foot
  • To improve striking accuracy with different body parts
  • To understand the difference between punting from hands and kicking from ground

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate controlled punting from hands
  • Students will strike balls accurately using various body parts
  • Students will apply kicking skills in simple game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Balloon Balls
1 per pair (15)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Large lightweight balls, beach balls

Cones
30-40 various colours

4 different coloured sets for assessment groupings

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags

Music Player
1

Clear sound across activity area

Alternative: Whistle with verbal commands

Key Vocabulary

Punt

A kick where the ball is dropped from the hands and struck before it hits the ground

Laces

The top part of the foot where the shoelaces are, used for powerful kicks

Strike

To hit the ball cleanly with a body part

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, ready to move or catch

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes to predict where it will go

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball control with hands
  • Simple kicking motions
  • Following movement instructions

Current Skills

  • Punting from hands using laces
  • Striking with different body parts
  • Coordinated movement and ball tracking

Next Steps

  • Advanced striking techniques
  • Game application of kicking skills
  • Tactical understanding in ball games

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent contact with laces when punting
2
Eyes tracking ball throughout flight
3
Balanced ready position before striking

Key Teaching Points

  • Punting requires laces contact with ball dropped from waist height
  • Standing foot placement beside ball is crucial for accurate ground kicking
  • Eyes must track the ball throughout its flight for successful striking
  • Balanced ready position before striking improves accuracy and control
  • Teamwork involves helping partners succeed, not just personal achievement
  • Different body parts offer different levels of control when striking
  • Safety comes first - controlled technique before power development

Common Misconceptions

  • Using toe instead of laces for punting - correct by showing power spot on shoe
  • Holding ball too high or low for punting - demonstrate waist height drop
  • Not moving feet to get into position - emphasise body movement not just arms
  • Focusing on power instead of accuracy - stress control first, power later
  • Poor teamwork due to competitive focus - redirect to helping others succeed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement system
dyspraxia
  • Larger balloon balls for easier tracking, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balloon balls, verbal descriptions of movements, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written key words displayed
physical disability
  • Seated striking variations, modified distances, lighter equipment, adapted punting from wheelchair

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following verbal instructions, describing techniques using appropriate vocabulary, giving clear commands to partners

Science

Forces in kicking - push and pull, gravity affecting ball drop in punting, friction between foot and ball

Mathematics

Counting touches in team challenges, measuring distances for kicking accuracy, angles and direction of ball travel

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, encouraging others, dealing with success and disappointment in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct laces contact in punting, partner cooperation, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe kicking technique, poor partner dynamics, or equipment issues

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly first, then at full speed. Use children as examples when they show good technique

Verbal Cues
  • •'Laces through the ball!'
  • •'Eyes on the ball!'
  • •'Help your partner succeed!'
  • •'Standing foot next to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Balloon balls checked for damage and appropriate inflation
  • •Cones stable and visible, no sharp edges
  • •Clear boundaries marked and understood

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during partner work
  • •Slips during direction changes
  • •Equipment striking others during kicking practice
Risk Mitigation
  • •Adequate spacing maintained between pairs (4-5 metres)
  • •Clear flight paths for punting practice
  • •Gentle striking emphasis throughout
  • •Emergency stop signal established and practised

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all pairs
  • •Monitor punting areas for safety
  • •Watch for fatigue during intense activities
Emergency Procedures

Stop signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, notify school procedures