Kicking Off Fun

Lesson Overview

In this 45-minute lesson for Year 1 students, learners will be introduced to fundamental soccer skills focusing on dribbling and passing. Through engaging and age-appropriate games and activities, students will practice controlling a soccer ball and passing to a partner, fostering teamwork, coordination, and enjoyment. The lesson aligns closely with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for Health and Physical Education.

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Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions:

• AC9HP2M01: Practise fundamental movement skills and apply them in a variety of movement situations (Years 1 and 2)
• AC9HP2M02: Investigate different ways of moving their body and manipulating objects and space, drawing conclusions about their effectiveness (Years 1 and 2)

Cross-curricular Priorities:

• Encourage collaboration and teamwork (supports General Capability: Personal and Social Capability)

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Learning Objectives

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

• Demonstrate basic dribbling skills by controlling a soccer ball while moving.
• Perform simple passing to a partner using correct foot technique.
• Understand and follow basic soccer rules and safety practices.
• Cooperate and communicate effectively with peers during partner activities.

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Equipment Needed

• Size 3 soccer balls (1 per 2 students)
• Cones to mark boundaries and stations
• Whistle
• Bibs or coloured bands for partner identification

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (8 minutes)

Purpose: Prepare body for movement; introduce movement vocabulary (dribble, pass).

• Begin with a circle warm-up game “Follow the Leader”: teacher leads movements like jogging, tiptoeing, kicking air gently.
• Introduce the soccer ball — show how to gently tap/roll it with the inside of the foot.
• Brief discussion on safety and respecting personal space.

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2. Skill Introduction and Demonstration (7 minutes)

Purpose: Teach and model dribbling and passing basics with clear, simple instructions.

• Demonstrate dribbling by gently pushing the ball forward with the inside of the foot while walking slowly.
• Highlights: keep eyes up, small touches, controlled speed.
• Demonstrate a basic pass — using the inside of the foot, aim for partner’s foot, and follow through gently.
• Use key language: "tap," "push," "stop," "pass," "partner."

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3. Guided Practice Activities (15 minutes)

Activity 1: Dribble Maze (7 minutes)

• Set up cones spaced to create a gentle zig-zag path.
• Students take turns dribbling the ball through the maze at their own pace.
• Teacher circulates, offering encouragement and feedback on control.

Activity 2: Partner Passing (8 minutes)

• Pair students and mark a 3-metre passing zone.
• Practice passing back and forth using the inside of the foot.
• Encourage use of “please” and “thank you” for communication and respect.
• Teacher monitors technique and provides corrective feedback in a positive way.

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4. Small-sided Game: “Soccer Sharks” (10 minutes)

Purpose: Combine dribbling and passing in a fun, cooperative game.

• Split class into groups of 4–5. Each group has a small playing area marked by cones.
• One or two students are “sharks” (defenders) aiming to tag (“steal”) the ball from others ("fish").
• Fish dribble and pass to avoid sharks. When tagged, students swap roles.
• Focus on safe play, teamwork, and using learned skills.

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5. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Lead gentle stretching focusing on legs and feet used in the lesson.
• Circle time discussion:
  • What did you enjoy?
  • What is one thing you learnt to do today?
  • How did you work with your partner?

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Assessment & Feedback

• Observation: Teacher monitors students’ ability to dribble and pass during activities, noting those who demonstrate control and cooperation.
• Peer Feedback: Encourage students to give simple positive feedback to partners (e.g., “Good pass!”).
• Teacher Feedback: Provide clear, encouraging guidance on technique and teamwork throughout the lesson.

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Safety Considerations

• Ensure balls and cones are appropriately sized and spaced to minimise collisions.
• Reinforce “stop” word for immediate cessation of activity if safety concerns arise.
• Encourage listening and following teacher instructions carefully.

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Differentiation

• For students needing more support: Use larger balls, practice stationary ball control before movement.
• For advanced students: Challenge with dribbling around more cones or longer passing distance.

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This lesson builds a foundation for the unit "Soccer Skills Adventure," fostering fundamental movement skills, safe participation, and respectful teamwork per the Australian Curriculum standards for Year 1 Physical Education. It balances skill development with enjoyment through playful engagement adapted for young learners.

If you require lesson plans for the remaining 5 lessons or additional resources, please let me know!