Ball Kicking Focus

Year Level

Year 4 (approx. 9-10 years old)
Class Size: 30 students
Duration: 60 minutes

---

Victorian Curriculum Alignment

Health and Physical Education > Movement and Physical Activity > Moving our body (Years 3 and 4):

• AC9HP4M01: Refine and apply fundamental movement skills in new movement situations, including combining locomotor and object control skills.
• AC9HP4M02: Apply and adapt movement strategies to achieve movement outcomes in games such as target games and striking/fielding games, including kicking.
• AC9HP4M07: Apply creative thinking when designing movement sequences and solving movement problems related to moving and manipulating balls.
• AC9HP4P04: Select and use personal and social skills to establish, manage, and strengthen relationships through cooperative games and encouragement.

These outcomes ensure development of ball kicking skills, applying movement strategies, working cooperatively, and reflecting on performance in the context of games and physical activity.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proper kicking technique (foot placement, body positioning, and follow-through).
• Apply ball kicking skills in a range of modified games and challenges.
• Work cooperatively with peers to achieve team goals and practise fair play.
• Identify and reflect on effective kicking strategies and adapt movements during games.

---

Equipment Needed

• Size 3 or 4 footballs/soccer balls (enough for pairs or triples)
• Cones or markers to set boundaries and targets
• Whistle
• Bibs or coloured bands for team identification

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up and Introduction (10 minutes)

Objective: Prepare bodies for activity and focus attention on ball control.

• Begin with light jogging around the space (2 minutes).
• Dynamic stretches: leg swings, ankle circles, knee lifts (3 minutes).
• Brief discussion and demonstration:
  • Show correct kicking technique: non-kicking foot beside ball, contact with instep, eyes on ball, follow-through.
  • Highlight safety: spacing, awareness of others.
• Partner ball bouncing: students bounce ball gently with feet to warm up (5 minutes).

---

2. Skill Development Stations (20 minutes)

Objective: Focused practice of ball kicking skills in small groups.

Divide class into 6 groups of 5. Rotate every 6-7 minutes. Each station includes clear instructions:

• Station 1: Target Kicks
  Place cones at different distances; students take turns kicking ball to hit or pass close to cones. Challenge: Increase distance or accuracy.
• Station 2: Dribble and Kick
  Set up a short dribble course with cones. Students dribble around cones then kick ball to a target area (goal or cone).
• Station 3: Kick Pass Relay
  Students in pairs practise kick passing underhand or low passes to each other over a short distance, focusing on control and accuracy.

---

3. Modified Game - “Kick and Chase” (20 minutes)

Objective: Apply kicking skills and game strategy in a fun, inclusive setting.

• Split the class into two teams (bibs for differentiation).
• Game rules:
  • One team kicks to advance the ball towards the opponent’s goal area (marked by cones).
  • The opposing team tries to intercept or catch the ball or tag the kicker after kick (depending on space/safety).
  • Encourage use of passing, spacing, and strategic kicking.
  • After a goal, teams swap roles (attack/defend).
• Focus on teamwork, communication, and applying proper kicking technique under pressure.
• Teacher to observe and give feedback on kicking form and strategy.

---

4. Cool-down and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Slow walking around the space (2 mins) followed by static stretches focusing on legs (hamstrings, calves, quads) (3 mins).
• Circle discussion:
  • What was easy or challenging about kicking?
  • How did you work with your team to kick better?
  • What tips can you share for better kicking?
• Recap safety and fair play messages.
• Praise all efforts and encourage practicing skills outside of school.

---

Assessment

• Formative: Teacher observes technique and engagement during stations and game to assess application of kicking skills and teamwork.
• Peer feedback: Partners provide constructive feedback on kicking accuracy and control.
• Self-reflection: Students share one thing they improved on or learned about kicking.

---

Safety Considerations

• Ensure adequate space per student to avoid collisions.
• Emphasise awareness of others when kicking.
• Provide water breaks as needed.
• Use appropriate balls and equipment for skill level.

---

Extensions & Differentiation

• For advanced students: Increase kicking distances and introduce varying ball heights for volleys.
• For students needing support: Use larger, softer balls and reduce distances; provide one-on-one assistance.
• Challenge creativity: Allow students to invent a new game or kicking challenge and explain rules to peers.

---

This plan meshes skill development, game play, and cooperative learning rooted firmly in the Victorian Curriculum standards for Year 4 Health and Physical Education, ensuring students improve ball kicking effectively and enjoyably .