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Big Question

How can we become more accurate and successful shooters by understanding where, when and why to shoot?

Learning Objectives

  • To refine shooting technique ensuring shots are accurate and successful
  • To understand where, when and why to shoot to increase chances of scoring
  • To apply passing and moving skills to create effective shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate shooting technique with improved power and placement
  • Students will create and convert shooting opportunities through tactical movement
  • Students will show understanding of how to draw defenders and goalkeepers to create space

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs
1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Balls placed in central container for easy access

Alternative: Soft foam balls or netballs for safety

Goals
4-6 goals

Goals positioned around playing area with adequate spacing

Alternative: Cones can mark goal posts, 2 metres apart

Cones
30-40 cones

Used to mark goal areas, boundaries and no-entry zones

Alternative: Sports markers or chalk lines

Bibs
15 bibs (3 different colours)

Clearly distinguish attacking teams, defending teams and goalkeepers

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands

Key Vocabulary

Shooting technique

The correct body position and arm movement to shoot accurately at goal

Creating space

Moving to areas where you are not marked by defenders

Drawing the goalkeeper

Moving to one side to make the goalkeeper move, creating space on the other side

Power shooting

Using your whole body to generate force when shooting

Shooting opportunity

A moment when you have a clear chance to score a goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic handball passing and catching
  • Understanding of attacking and defending roles
  • Basic shooting technique

Current Skills

  • Refined shooting technique with power and accuracy
  • Creating shooting opportunities through movement
  • Drawing defenders to create space

Next Steps

  • Advanced tactical play in game situations
  • Counter-attacking strategies
  • Advanced defensive positioning

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accurate shooting under pressure
2
Effective use of space to create opportunities
3
Understanding of when to shoot versus when to pass

Key Teaching Points

  • Shooting technique: opposite foot forward, ball behind ear, follow through towards target
  • Creating space: movement draws defenders and goalkeepers out of position
  • Decision making: choose between shooting and passing based on situation
  • Tactical awareness: work as a team to create better opportunities
  • Accuracy over power: placement is more important than force
  • Communication: talk to teammates to coordinate attacks
  • Resilience: keep trying even when shots are unsuccessful

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: Power is more important than accuracy in shooting. Correction: Demonstrate how accurate corner shots beat powerful centre shots
  • Misconception: Always shoot when you get the ball. Correction: Show examples where passing creates better opportunities
  • Misconception: Stand still when shooting for better accuracy. Correction: Explain how movement creates space and better angles
  • Misconception: Goalkeeper always stays in the centre. Correction: Show how goalkeeper moves and how to exploit this
  • Misconception: Individual skills are more important than teamwork. Correction: Demonstrate how collaboration creates easier scoring chances

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear signals for attention
dyspraxia
  • Use larger equipment for easier coordination, provide extra practice time for technique, offer simplified movement patterns initially
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity sequence, allow quiet spaces if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of space and positioning, pair with sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards with key points
physical disability
  • Modify shooting technique for seated position, use larger balls for easier handling, adjust goal heights and distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of shots and passes, measuring goal distances, calculating success rates and scores

Science

Forces and motion in throwing actions, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directional movement and angles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to provide individual feedback, position to observe maximum number of students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shooting technique, tactical decision making, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify technique points, manage competitive intensity, and ensure fair play

Demonstration Notes

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

Verbal Cues
  • •'Opposite foot forward!'
  • •'Draw the goalkeeper!'
  • •'Aim for the corners!'
  • •'Pass or shoot - make the right choice!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space with adequate height for overhead throws

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface, check for any wet areas or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check handballs are properly inflated and not split or damaged
  • •Ensure goals are stable and securely positioned
  • •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball strikes to head or body
  • •Collisions between players during dynamic movement
  • •Falls during rapid direction changes
  • •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries established and communicated
  • •Adequate spacing between activity areas
  • •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
  • •Controlled contact rules emphasised
  • •Regular hydration breaks during intensive activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
  • •Monitor high-activity zones for safe play
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
  • •Ensure rotation systems prevent overcrowding
Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained