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Lesson 3 - Penalty Kicks and Set Piece Tactics

Team Strategy & Coordination

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

How can precision and strategy in penalty situations help teams win crucial matches?

Learning Objectives

Apply speed and accuracy to perform penalty kicks with power and precision
Work as a team to attack rebounds from penalty situations effectively
Analyse and explain why certain areas of the goal are more advantageous to target than others

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently strike penalty kicks with accuracy to corners of the goal
Students will demonstrate coordinated team movement for rebound opportunities
Students will articulate tactical reasoning behind penalty placement and team positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Size 4 balls acceptable for younger/smaller students

Cones

40-50 mixed colours

Different colours for different purposes and scoring zones

Alternative: Markers, discs, or bottles if cones unavailable

Goals

4-6 small goals or markers

Ensure goals are stable and appropriate height

Alternative: Cone goals (2m wide) if permanent goals unavailable

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For distinguishing teams during game situations

Alternative: Bands or different coloured shirts

Key Vocabulary

Professional foul

A deliberate foul committed to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity

Penalty spot

The marked position 12 yards from goal where penalty kicks are taken

Rebound

When the ball bounces back into play after hitting the goalkeeper or goalpost

Placement

Deliberately directing the ball to a specific area of the goal

Run-up

The approach steps taken before striking the ball in a penalty kick

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball striking technique with inside of foot
Understanding of power and accuracy in shooting
Knowledge of basic football rules and fouls

Current Skills

Penalty kick technique with run-up and placement
Team coordination for rebound situations
Tactical analysis of goal areas and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced set piece variations (free kicks, corners)
Goalkeeper penalty saving techniques
Tournament-style penalty shootouts under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy to target areas (7/10 penalties in corners)

Quick reaction movement for rebound opportunities

Clear tactical explanations using football terminology

Key Teaching Points

Penalty technique requires consistency over power - accurate placement beats raw strength
Corner targeting makes saves significantly more difficult for goalkeepers
Team coordination for rebounds is crucial - penalties often lead to second chances
Mental preparation and decision-making are as important as physical technique
Professional fouls occur when defenders deliberately stop goal-scoring opportunities
Practice under mild pressure helps prepare for real match situations
Inside of foot provides maximum accuracy and control for penalty kicks

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy in penalties - emphasise placement over strength
Believing the centre of goal is a good target - explain why corners are tactically superior
Assuming longer run-ups create more power - demonstrate optimal 4-5 step approach
Expecting to score every penalty - explain that even professionals miss occasionally
Forgetting about rebounds - stress importance of team follow-up play
Rushing technique under pressure - practise maintaining consistent approach

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger balls initially, simplify run-up to 2-3 steps, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet area for breaks, use visual schedule of lesson activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of target locations, arrange buddy support for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written rule reminders on display boards

physical disability

Adapt penalty distance based on ability, allow seated or supported positioning, modify equipment size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions, explaining tactical concepts

Maths

Measuring penalty distance (12 yards), calculating accuracy percentages, geometry of goal angles and target areas

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angle of projection affecting trajectory, friction between boot and ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and coordinates on the pitch

PSHE

Pressure management and resilience, teamwork and communication, fair play and respect for rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between penalty stations for maximum visibility, move closer for individual technique feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent run-up technique, plant foot positioning, and follow-through direction

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, when safety rules are ignored, or when students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate penalty technique in slow motion first, emphasising each component separately before showing full speed

Verbal Cues

•'Four steps back, straight line run-up!'
•'Plant foot beside the ball!'
•'Corners are the goalkeeper's nightmare!'
•'Follow through to your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area with clear boundaries, penalty spots marked 12 yards from goals

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goals are stable and appropriate height for age group
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during penalty practice
•Collisions during rebound situations
•Slips and falls on potentially wet grass

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety zones established 10 yards from penalty areas
•Adequate spacing between practice stations
•Controlled entry to rebound areas only after penalty is struck
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all penalty stations simultaneously
•Monitor physical contact levels during game situations
•Watch for fatigue in goalkeepers and rotate regularly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required