Lesson 2 - Kicking Direction & Selection
Striking Game Tactics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I use different parts of my foot to send the ball where I want it to go?
Learning Objectives
- Make tactical decisions about which direction to send the ball using different parts of the foot
- Use inside and outside of foot kicking techniques to send the ball accurately
- Experience and understand the role of backstop in fielding games
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate kicking using inside and outside of foot
- Students will make strategic decisions about ball placement based on fielder positions
- Students will successfully perform the backstop role with quick, accurate fielding
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around practice areas
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, foam balls for less confident students
Mark square boundaries and collection points
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Distinguish batting and fielding teams
Alternative: Coloured cones for team identification
Key Vocabulary
The inner side of your foot used for accurate, controlled kicks
The outer edge of your foot used to send the ball in the opposite direction
A fielder who stands behind the batter to collect missed balls
The foot you prefer to kick with and feel most confident using
The non-kicking foot that provides balance and stability
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball rolling and catching skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Basic spatial awareness in games
Current Skills
- Kicking with inside and outside of foot
- Making tactical decisions about ball placement
- Backstop positioning and fielding
Next Steps
- Advanced striking techniques in team games
- Complex tactical decision making
- Coordinated team fielding strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Inside of foot provides control and accuracy for tactical placement
- Outside of foot creates unpredictable direction change to beat fielders
- Backstop positioning is crucial for effective fielding support
- Tactical decision making requires observation of fielder positions
- Base foot positioning determines kicking accuracy and balance
- Communication between teammates improves overall game performance
- Practice with both feet develops versatility and tactical options
Common Misconceptions
- Using toe instead of foot surface reduces accuracy and control
- Always kicking hard doesn't guarantee better results than placement
- Backstop role is passive - actually requires active anticipation and movement
- Same technique works in all situations - tactical variety is key
- Individual skill matters more than team tactics - both are essential
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for techniques, simplified movement patterns, larger equipment options
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written position cards
physical disability
- Modify kicking techniques for seated play, use larger/softer balls, adapt distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting runs scored, measuring distances between stumps, angles of ball direction, timing activities
Science
Forces and motion in ball kicking, friction between foot and ball, gravity in ball drop technique
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping player positions, understanding of right/left orientation
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, taking on different roles, resilience when learning new skills, fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of playing area for maximum visibility, move around to support different groups
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot technique, tactical decision making, and safe participation
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with technique, need tactical guidance, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use clear verbal cues with visual demonstrations.
Verbal Cues
- •'Inside foot for control!'
- •'Look where the fielders are!'
- •'Outside foot changes direction!'
- •'Quick collection, backstop!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area, or large indoor hall with high ceiling
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure stumps/markers are stable and safe
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during running
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
- •Overexertion during vigourous activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe zones
- •Teach proper ball handling and kicking techniques
- •Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
- •Use controlled ball speeds appropriate for age group
- •Position backstops safely behind stumps
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas closely
- •Check on students showing signs of fatigue
- •Ensure safe equipment handling throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed