Mastering Kickball Basics

Curriculum Area

Subject: Physical Education
Grade Level: Year 2 (7–8 Years Old)
Curriculum Standard: California Physical Education Framework for Public Schools: Grade 2 – Standard 1.7
"Kick a ball from a stationary position demonstrating proper form (e.g., step with opposite foot, contact ball with shoelaces, follow through)."
Also aligning with:

• Standard 1.5 – Demonstrate locomotor skills in a variety of movement experiences
• Standard 2.1 – Identify and demonstrate effective body mechanics for kicking
• Standard 5.1 – Demonstrate positive social behaviours through cooperative play

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Learning Objective

By the end of this 50-minute lesson, students will:

• Understand the basic structure and objective of a kickball game
• Demonstrate correct kicking form using stationary balls
• Participate in simplified game-based kicking activities with peers
• Develop decision-making and spatial awareness skills through movement and play

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Equipment Required

• 6 rubber playground balls (kickballs)
• 12 flat cones (for bases and boundaries)
• 3 hula hoops
• 6 coloured jerseys or wristbands (for small-sided teams)
• Whiteboard and markers (optional, for quick visuals)

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Class Size

23 Students – Lessons will utilise stations and small-sided games to ensure maximum participation and engagement.

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Safety Considerations

• Students wear appropriate PE footwear
• Area clear of hazards (check for holes, debris)
• Reminders about space awareness during movement
• Proper warm-up and cool-down to reduce risk of injury

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Lesson Breakdown (50 minutes)

⏱️ 1. Welcome & Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Description: Teacher gathers students in a circle for a quick chat:

• Recap of passing and aiming skills
• Brief intro: “Today, we're learning how to kick the ball like in a real game called kickball.”

Warm-Up Activity – “Move Like a Ball”

• Teacher calls actions: "Bounce," "Roll," "Slide," "Spin"
• Students move around the space trying to match the motion of the ball

Focus: Light cardio, whole-body movement, fun language that connects to ball control

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⏱️ 2. Kicking Stations (15 Minutes)

Station Rotations – 5 Minutes Per Station, Rotate Twice (3 total rotations)

Students are split into 6 groups of 3–4.

Station	Description	Skill Focus
1. Kick & Freeze	Kick a stationary ball at a hula hoop 3m away. After kicking, freeze in follow-through pose. Peer gives a 'thumbs up' if form is good.	Kicking form
2. Cone Smash	Set up 3 tennis balls balanced on cones. Kick to knock down from 4m. Rotate within group.	Accuracy
3. Power Walk Kick	Step and gently kick ball while walking between cones, then return. Emphasis on step, balance, and follow-through.	Coordination

Teacher Role: Float between stations giving cues like "plant foot points to target" and "kick with shoelaces, not toes.”

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⏱️ 3. Group Game: Target Kickball (15 Minutes)

Set-Up:

• Use cones to mark a basic diamond (1st, 2nd, 3rd bases & home)
• 2 teams – 6 or 7 players each
• Remaining students act as base guards, scorekeepers, or boundary helpers, rotating in

Modified Rules:

• Kicker kicks ball and runs to first base only
• Defence only throws to home to reset the play
• Focus is not on getting players out, but on learning order of play and how to kick under pressure

Objective: Introduction to game structure – base running, where to kick the ball, defending base

Coaching Tips:

• “Look at the ball, not your feet”
• "Run in a ‘J’ shape to your base"
• Encourage high-fives and supportiveness

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⏱️ 4. Whole-Class Game: Rainbow Runner (10 Minutes)

Adaptation to Reinforce Learning with Movement & Joy

Set-Up:

• All students spread across a field
• One team kicks into the open field and must run across and back
• Fielders must gather the ball and place it in the hula hoop at centre circle
• If runners return before ball is in hoop, they score a team point

Purpose: Game-based cardio, reinforcing target kicking and spatial awareness

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⏱️ 5. Cool Down & Reflection (5 Minutes)

Stretch & Talk:

• Light stretches: leg swings, toe touches, arm circles
• Circle discussion: “What did you learn about kicking today?”
• “What makes a good teammate?”

Self-Assessment Showdown! Students show hand signals:

• 👍 I kicked with correct form today
• 👐 I need more practise with aiming
• 🤚 I helped someone do their best

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Differentiation & Inclusion

For Diverse Needs:

• Larger balls for students needing confidence boosts
• Visual markers to aid direction
• Verbal praise and 'assist' points for supporting teammates

For Extension:

• Challenge confident students with “moving ball kick” drill
• Use defence rules in simplified game version

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Assessment (Formative)

Teacher Observes:

• Kicking technique (step, contact, follow-through)
• Ability to participate in team structure
• Positive communication and encouragement

Use a checklist during stations for:

• Eye on ball
• Plant foot position
• Balanced follow-through
• Awareness of position on field

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Teacher Reflection

After the session, consider:

• Did students show improved form from station to game?
• Were groups well-balanced? Do certain students need additional support?
• What refinement is needed before full kickball game next week?

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Notes for Next Lesson

• Introduce getting players “out” and base decision-making
• Emphasise team strategy and quick reactions
• Begin using peer coaching roles for leadership development

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You're planting the seeds of sportspersonship, power, and precision. Year 2 students are not just learning to kick a ball – they are building confidence in their bodies and relationships on the field.