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Lesson 3 - Kicking for Distance and Accuracy

Technical Mastery & Tactics

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Year 9

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

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

Gaelic footballs/Size 3 footballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distributed around perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Rugby balls, Australian footballs

Cones

Used for boundaries, targets, and skill stations

Alternative: Markers, bibs as markers

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 colours)

Team identification and official roles

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands

Small Goal

2m wide, portable for quick setup changes

Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on wall

Large Goals

Standard size for full game application

Alternative: Marked areas on wall, space between large cones

Scorecards

Visible to all students for score tracking

Alternative: Paper chart, digital display

Key Vocabulary

Sling throw

A throwing technique where the arm swings in a pendulum motion to generate power and accuracy

Inside foot kick

Kicking technique using the inside surface of the foot for accuracy and control

Around the ball kick

Advanced technique where the foot curves around the ball to create spin and change direction

Conditioned game

A modified game with specific rules or restrictions to focus on particular skills

Tactical decision making

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

Consistent accuracy over 15+ metre distances

Quick decision making in game situations

Effective communication during kicking sequences

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