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Big Question

How can we use different parts of our feet to send the ball accurately to our teammates?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop the ability to send the ball with feet using inside of foot technique
  • To pass the ball accurately over varying distances using different force levels
  • To work cooperatively with teammates to maintain possession and create passing opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate controlled inside of foot passing technique
  • Students will vary the power of their passes according to distance and situation
  • Students will work effectively in small groups to complete passing challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per student (30)

Place balls around perimeter of playing area for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, tennis balls, or soft play balls if regular footballs unavailable

Cones
22 cones

Use for creating gates and marking zones in activities

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks on playground

Bibs
5-6 different colours

For identifying zone masters and defenders in games

Alternative: Coloured cones or verbal team identification

Key Vocabulary

Inside of foot

The flat part of your foot between your big toe and heel

Pass

Kicking the ball to a teammate or target

Target

The person or area you are aiming to pass the ball to

Force

How hard or soft you kick the ball

Control

Keeping the ball close to your feet and where you want it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball control and dribbling skills
  • Understanding of personal and general space
  • Simple ball rolling and stopping techniques

Current Skills

  • Inside of foot passing technique
  • Varying force for different distance passes
  • Basic positional awareness for passing

Next Steps

  • Outside of foot passing
  • First-time passing without stopping the ball
  • Passing while moving and under pressure

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent contact with inside of foot
2
Ball reaches intended target 7/10 times
3
Can adjust force for 2-3 different distances

Key Teaching Points

  • Inside of foot provides largest, flatest surface for accurate passing
  • Standing foot position beside ball is crucial for balance and accuracy
  • Striking through the middle of ball ensures it travels along ground
  • Following through towards target improves accuracy and power control
  • Body should face direction of intended pass
  • Start with short distances and progress gradually to build confidence
  • Accuracy is more important than power in passing technique

Common Misconceptions

  • Using toe instead of inside of foot - demonstrate flat surface advantage
  • Thinking harder kicks are always better - show control and accuracy focus
  • Standing too far from ball - demonstrate close standing foot position
  • Rushing technique - emphasise quality over speed in skill development
  • Only using stronger foot - encourage both feet development from start

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear boundaries, give individual feedback regularly
dyspraxia
  • Use larger equipment, break down technique into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use verbal and visual cues together
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish quiet zones if needed, use consistent language and routines, allow processing time
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
  • Adapt to seated passing where appropriate, use larger lighter balls, modify distances and targets, provide alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances for activities, calculating angles for accurate passing to targets

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball striking, friction effects on different surfaces, body mechanics in kicking action

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, using positional language, understanding distance and proximity in games

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, dealing with frustration and mistakes, encouraging others and celebrating success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to maintain visual contact with all students, positioning at corners during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct inside of foot technique, appropriate force selection, safety awareness, and positive cooperation between students

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with basic technique, when safety concerns arise, or when groups need support with cooperation and inclusion

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples when possible. Physically guide students' foot position if they're struggling with technique.

Verbal Cues
  • 'Foot sideways like a door!'
  • 'Strike through the middle of the ball!'
  • 'Plant your standing foot like a tree!'
  • 'Follow through to your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or playground surface free from holes, debris, and slip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify bibs are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during movement activities
  • Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
  • Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
  • Overexertion during game activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Establish clear boundaries and maintain adequate spacing between activities
  • Emphasise controlled passing rather than powerful kicks
  • Regular reminders about spatial awareness and looking up
  • Progressive skill building from individual to partner to group activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
  • Monitor spacing during warm-up and skill practice
  • Watch for overpowered kicks that might cause injury
  • Ensure equal participation and prevent exclusion
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and contact school medical support if needed