Instructions
Kicking involves imparting force to an object with a foot. It requires good foot–eye coordination. An object can be moving or stationary. Kicking is used in football and rugby.
- Stand slightly to the side and behind the ball.
- Step forward and place the nonkicking foot by the side of the ball.
- The kicking leg swings back, using the arms for balance.
- Swing the kicking leg from the hips through to kick the ball. Bring the opposite arm forward.
- The head is over the ball and the eyes watch the ball.
- Kick the ball with the laced area of trainer.
- Follow through in the direction of the target.
Safety
Ensure…
- children kick only when instructed balls are of an appropriate size
- that the surface is dry and not slippery
Opportunity to develop
- Co-ordination
- Control
- Accuracy
Physical Development Area of Learning
- contributes to ‘Personal’ and ‘Adventurous and physical play skills’ section
If you see
| Observation | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Misses the ball | Does not look at the ball, or the ball is moving | Place the ball on a bean bag or on a kicking tee to keep it still |
| Stands front on and kicks the ball with a stiff leg | Does not turn the hips and does not swing the leg from the hips and bend the knees | Practise activities that encourage swinging action of leg |
| Walks up to the ball and walks into the ball. This is more of a push than a kick. | Does not plant the non-kicking foot by the side of the ball and does not use a leg swing at the hip and knees | Place a marker where the non-kicking foot should be |
| Loses balance on contact | Incorrect use of arms for balance | Use arms outstretched at shoulder level, ensuring opposite arm to kicking foot is brought through |
| Cannot co-ordinate the kicking action | Stands forward on the kicking leg | Place a marker where the non-kicking foot must be. Start from a stationary position. |
| Achieves little distance on the kick | ‘Jabs’ at the ball and does not follow through | Practise swinging actions of the arms and legs to encourage the child to move through the full range |
Can you see?
- the child approaching the kick with a run or a leap?
- the child’s non-kicking (support) leg planted by the side of the ball?
- the child’s full leg swinging from the hip and knee?
- the child’s eyes focusing on the ball and looking forward?
- the child’s opposite arm to their kicking foot swinging forward?
- the child making contact with the ball with their shoe laces?
- the child using their arms to balance?
- the child’s arms swinging in opposition to one another?
- the child leaning back slightly?
- the child kicking the ball accurately to the target?
-
Mostly No
- Use balloons to practise the kicking action
- Place a ball on a bean bag and strike the ball
- Place markers on the floor for foot placement
- Use large soft balls and kick the ball as high and as far as they can
- Practise the step and swing phase
- Practise using each foot to kick
-
Yes and No
- Walk to the ball and kick a stationary ball between a set of markers; increase the number of steps
- Remain on the spot and kick a ball moving towards them
- Kick a stationary ball to a target, i.e. a set of cones
- Kick a ball to hit a bench
- Walking to kick building to running to kick a ball
- Kick a ball over an object such as a cone, rope, bean bag
- Kick a ball at a set of skittles
- Kick a ball to go under an object, such as a table, chair, pole
-
Mostly Yes
- Move towards a moving ball and kick it
- Increase the distance between the child and goal
- Decrease the width of the target
- Kick for accuracy, to a partner or target
- Kick a ball over a wider area, increase the distance between markings, ropes
- Kick past a defender or goalkeeper
-
Challenge
- Kick a ball to strike objects at a set distance away – bowls, ten pin bowling, skittles, etc.
- Kick a ball at different speeds and angles against a wall and move to trap it as quickly as possible
- Kick a ball against a wall and as it is returning, kick another ball against the wall; keep the balls moving for as long as possible
- Kick a ball between you and a partner using both feet to kick and trap
- As above – kicking to receive at markers, using fast feet
- Kick two balls alternately and then simultaneously between you and your partner; vary the ways you can do this
- Kick a ball in response to a range of cues
- Kick a ball accurately at a moving target
- Kick a ball accurately to a partner moving into space
- Kick a ball accurately to a partner who is under pressure from a defender
- Kick a ball accurately to a partner with both of you under pressure from a defender