Lesson 3 - Kicking for Distance and Accuracy
Technical Mastery & Tactics
•Year 9
•Invasion Games
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How can we master different kicking techniques to gain tactical advantage in invasion games?
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to kick the ball from hands over a variety of distances using different techniques
- Develop accuracy in kicking to teammates under pressure
- Apply kicking skills strategically in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proficient kicking technique from hands with consistent accuracy
- Students will select appropriate kicking techniques based on game situations
- Students will communicate effectively to create scoring opportunities through accurate passing
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Rugby balls, Australian footballs
Used for boundaries, targets, and skill stations
Alternative: Markers, bibs as markers
Team identification and official roles
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands
2m wide, portable for quick setup changes
Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on wall
Standard size for full game application
Alternative: Marked areas on wall, space between large cones
Visible to all students for score tracking
Alternative: Paper chart, digital display
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm swings in a pendulum motion to generate power and accuracy
Kicking technique using the inside surface of the foot for accuracy and control
Advanced technique where the foot curves around the ball to create spin and change direction
A modified game with specific rules or restrictions to focus on particular skills
The ability to choose the most effective action based on game situation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of invasion game principles
- Experience with simple kicking from ground
Current Skills
- Kicking from hands with accuracy and distance
- Tactical decision making in kicking situations
- Advanced kicking techniques under pressure
Next Steps
- Kicking under defensive pressure
- Advanced tactical kicking (chips, grubbers)
- Leadership roles in team kicking strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Kicking technique must be broken down into clear, progressive steps for mastery
- Accuracy is more important than power in developing foundational kicking skills
- Tactical decision making about when and where to kick is as important as technical ability
- Progressive distance challenges build confidence while maintaining technique quality
- Peer coaching and assessment develop deeper understanding of technical principles
- Game application should integrate kicking skills with other invasion game concepts
- Safety awareness must be maintained throughout all dynamic activities
Common Misconceptions
- Power is more important than accuracy - emphasise technique leads to both
- Only one kicking technique is needed - teach variety for different situations
- Kicking is just about the leg action - highlight importance of ball drop and body position
- Game pressure means abandoning technique - practice maintaining quality under pressure
- Individual skill is more important than team tactics - connect personal skills to team success
- Perfect technique happens immediately - emphasise progressive development and practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide specific roles and responsibilities, use movement breaks between intense focus periods, offer clear, simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer equipment for easier handling, allow additional practice time for technique development, provide step-by-step breakdown with visual cues, celebrate effort over outcome
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine for activities, offer quiet spaces for breaks if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for lesson progression, maintain consistent expectations and praise
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with high contrast, provide detailed verbal descriptions of technique, implement buddy system for spatial awareness, use tactile markers for distance references
hearing impairment
- Demonstrate all techniques visually multiple times, use clear visual hand signals for game management, provide written instruction cards for reference, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Offer seated kicking variations from wheelchair, provide modified distances and targets, adapt equipment size and weight as needed, ensure full participation in tactical discussions
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, biomechanics of kicking action, physics of ball spin and trajectory, analysis of reaction times and decision making
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and orientations, tactical positioning relative to field geography
Mathematics
Calculating distances for kicking accuracy, measuring angles for tactical positioning, statistical analysis of success rates, geometric understanding of field positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation during tactical discussions, resilience when facing challenging situations, respect and inclusion during peer assessment activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for optimal viewing angle of all students, positioning yourself at corner points during game activities for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for technique consistency, safety awareness, tactical decision making quality, and positive peer interactions throughout all activities
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with basic technique, safety concerns arise, or negative behaviours impact learning environment
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate kicking technique in slow motion first, then normal speed. Exaggerate key coaching points for visibility. Use students as positive examples when possible.
Verbal Cues
- •'Drop and drive through!' for consistent kicking
- •'Look before you kick!' for tactical awareness
- •'Technique first, power second!' for quality focus
- •'Great tactical thinking!' for positive reinforcement
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m for full activities, clear of obstacles with appropriate boundary markings
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or hazards that could cause slips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify goals are stable and securely positioned
- •Confirm bibs are clean and free from tears
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or face during kicking activities
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls on sports surfaces
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic situations
- •Emphasis on controlled technique over maximum power
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas such as goal mouths
- •Ensure immediate response capability for any incidents
- •Maintain clear sight lines during game situations
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required, inform school leadership