Kicking and Passing

Overview

This 30-minute session is designed for Reception (age 4-5) as Lesson 2 in the unit Ball Skills in Motion. It builds on foundational ball handling introduced previously, focusing on developing the children’s ability to kick and pass a ball with increasing control and awareness of force and direction. This lesson incorporates UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) physical development goals along with key elements from the National Curriculum for Physical Education (PE) at KS1, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, pupils will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic kicking and passing techniques using appropriate force for distance and direction;
• Aim the ball towards simple targets with growing accuracy;
• Work collaboratively in small groups, communicating to achieve shared goals;
• Recognise and describe how different levels of force affect ball movement.

Links to UK Frameworks:

• EYFS Physical Development: Moving and Handling – (U5 & 40-60 months) "Shows increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it."
• National Curriculum PE (Key Stage 1): Pupils should master basic movements including kicking and catching, and apply these in small-team games.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (EYFS): "Cooperates and takes turns with others."

---

Resources

• Soft foam footballs or lightweight plastic balls (1 ball per pair)
• Cones to mark out playing area and target zones
• Hoop or large bucket for target practice
• Visual cue cards demonstrating kicking and passing technique (optional)
• Whistle or timer

---

Environment

• Indoor hall or playground space, clear of hazards
• Marked areas roughly 5m x 5m per activity station
• Multiple stations to reduce waiting time and maximise active participation

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle. Briefly remind them of last lesson’s ball skills (catching and rolling). Introduce today’s focus words: kick, pass, aim, force.
• Play a simple "Freeze Ball" warm-up: Children dribble or kick the ball lightly around the space until the teacher’s whistle blows – then they freeze. This encourages spatial awareness and basic ball control.

Teaching Tip: Use clear, simple language and demonstrate with enthusiasm! Warm-up sets tone for safe movement.

---

2. Skill Focus: Kicking and Passing Basics (10 minutes)

• Teacher Demo: Show how to kick the ball with the inside of the foot for better control and passing. Emphasise pushing the ball gently with body weight for accuracy rather than just power.
• Partner Passing: Children pair up, stand 1-2 metres apart, and practise passing balls back and forth using inside foot kicks. Encourage them to communicate “Ready!” before kicking.
• Teacher Observation: Circulate, giving positive, specific feedback on force control and aiming (e.g., “Good gentle kick!” or “Try to aim your ball towards your partner’s feet”).

Adaptations: For children who are less confident, reduce distance or allow use of feet or hands to push the ball forward initially.

---

3. Target Practice Stations (8 minutes)

• Divide children into 5 groups of 5. Each rotates through stations every 2 minutes:
  • Station 1: Kick ball into a hoop on the ground. Focus on aiming inside the hoop.
  • Station 2: Pass ball to a partner who tries to catch or stop it. Focus on gentle force and communication.
  • Station 3: Kick ball to knock over a cone. Emphasise force variation to learn its effect.
  • Station 4: Roll the ball between cones placed 1m apart, encouraging control.
  • Station 5: Free-play small sided game: 3 v 2, encourage using kicking and passing skills together.

Assessment: Use observational notes to identify children needing extra support for next lesson.

---

4. Cool-Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather children sitting around in a circle, reflecting with prompt questions:
  • “How did you aim your ball?”
  • “What happens if you kick too hard or too soft?”
  • “How did your team help each other?”
• Introduce simple breathing exercises to calm heart rates (deep breaths, gentle stretches).
• Praise all children for their effort and teamwork.

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide varying ball sizes/weights for differing motor control abilities.
• Use visual and verbal cues for instructions.
• Pair less confident children with supportive peers.
• Always adapt space and expectations to children’s individual physical and emotional needs.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Anecdotal records of children’s ability to kick with control and pass accurately;
• Monitor use of communication in partner/group work;
• Staff notes on children’s ability to apply different force levels;
• Peer feedback encouraged during group activities.

---

Extension Ideas

• Create a simple obstacle course requiring kicking the ball through tunnels or marked gates.
• Incorporate story-based games (e.g., “Kick the ball to the castle” target).
• Introduce basic scoring mechanics for target hits to foster motivation and counting skills.

---

Teacher Reflection

• Did all children get ample opportunity to practise kicking and passing?
• What strategies successfully supported children struggling with force control?
• How engaged were the children during the target games and teamwork activities?
• Plan next session to explore dribbling with feet or introduce catching moving balls based on readiness.

---

This lesson plan facilitates active learning through fun, structured activities that embed core physical skills aligned with EYFS and National Curriculum standards. The blend of individual skill development and cooperative group work supports holistic development at this crucial stage.