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Lesson 4 - Shooting Accuracy and Power

Defence to Tournament Play

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Year 5

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Football

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50 min

Big Question

How can we combine accuracy and power to become deadly finishers in front of goal?

Learning Objectives

Develop shooting technique with accuracy and power using both inside foot and laces
Apply shooting skills under pressure from defenders and goalkeepers
Create and convert shooting opportunities through teamwork and tactical awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved shooting technique with both feet
Students will show tactical understanding of when and where to shoot
Students will work as a team to create goal-scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distributed around activity areas, pumped to correct pressure

Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control, tennis balls for indoor practice

Goals

3.5 portable goals

Positioned with adequate run-off space behind

Alternative: Cones 8 metres apart, gym benches on their sides

Cones

20 assorted colours

Mark shooting areas, channels, and target zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, bibs

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Distinguish attackers, defenders, and wingers in activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Laces

The top part of the boot used for powerful shooting

Inside foot

The inside edge of the foot used for accurate passing and shooting

Plant foot

The non-kicking foot placed beside the ball for balance and direction

Follow through

Continuing the kicking motion after contact with the ball

Far post

The goal post furthest away from where the ball is being shot

Near post

The goal post closest to where the ball is being shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with inside and outside of foot
Understanding of accuracy over power in passing
Experience of working in small groups and taking turns

Current Skills

Shooting technique with inside of foot for accuracy
Shooting with laces for power
Creating shooting opportunities under pressure
Tactical awareness of when and where to shoot

Next Steps

Advanced finishing techniques including volleys and headers
Shooting from wider angles and longer distances
Creating and converting chances in 11v11 game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with the ball when shooting

Shots directed towards corners rather than at goalkeeper

Ability to shoot quickly after receiving a pass

Understanding shown of goalkeeper positioning

Key Teaching Points

Plant foot positioning determines shot direction and accuracy
Inside foot for accuracy, laces for power - choose based on situation
Quick decision making improves shooting success under pressure
Drawing the goalkeeper creates better shooting angles
Follow through is essential for both accuracy and power shots
Teamwork creates better shooting opportunities than individual play
Practice makes permanent - focus on technique over power initially

Common Misconceptions

More power always equals better shots - accuracy is often more important
Always aim for the centre of the goal - corners are harder for goalkeepers to save
Taking lots of touches before shooting - often the first opportunity is the best
Only using one foot - developing both feet doubles shooting opportunities
Shooting from anywhere - choosing the right position significantly improves success rate

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Simplified technique instruction, larger balls, additional practice time, step-by-step movement cards

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable routines, visual activity schedule, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and goals, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written activity cards available

physical disability

Adapted shooting distances, seated shooting practice, modified goals or targets, peer support available

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of shots, measuring distances to goal, calculating success rates and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, trajectory and gravity effects on shots

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of positioning and directions on field

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating success and learning from mistakes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all activity areas, ability to move quickly between groups

Observation Focus

Technical development in shooting, decision making under pressure, teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Poor technique causing safety concerns, lack of engagement with activity, negative interactions between students

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique teaching, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Plant foot pointing to target!'
•'Choose your shot type!'
•'Quick reaction to the rebound!'
•'Draw the goalkeeper across!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m playing area with adequate run-off space behind goals

Surface Check

Even grass or artificial surface, free from holes, debris, or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Goals securely anchored with safety catches engaged
•Footballs inflated to correct pressure and checked for damage
•Cones placed safely away from shooting lines
•No damaged equipment used

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during shooting
•Trips or falls on uneven surface
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear shooting directions established and maintained
•No students positioned behind shooting areas
•Adequate spacing between shooting stations
•Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
•Clear rules about physical contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all shooting areas simultaneously
•Monitor for compliance with safety rules
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure goalkeepers are alert and positioned safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, clear communication with other staff if required