Movement skills/concepts
Kicking a stationary ball, kicking at different levels, speed, and flow, kicking at a target, and relationships (with objects).
Set-up
- Cones, ropes, tape/chalk to create shapes (targets) on wall/net, and a variety of balls (foam, plastic, rubber) for kicking.
- Children spread around a level grass or court area (gym, hall, or outside court), facing a wall or net to kick towards.
- A number of shapes are created as targets at different levels (ground, middle, and high).
Activity: Can you …?
- stand behind your ball and, using the inside part of your foot, kick it to the wall or net so that it comes back to you
- practice kicking with one foot and then the other foot
- practice kicking along the ground and then in the air
- practice kicking with a run-up of three to five steps
- practice kicking the ball at the different types of targets
- once you hit a target twice in a row, take a big step back and try a further distance away
Can you see …?
- planting the non-kicking foot next to the ball
- contacting behind the ball
- use of the inside of the foot for ground level, kicking the shoelace (top of shoe) for medium or low-level kicks
- leaning back slightly on contact
- following through in the intended direction of the kick
You could ask …
Which was your favorite target? Why?
What happened to the ball when you had a run-up to kick it?
Did the ball always go in the direction you meant it to? Why or why not?
