Shooting Stars

Curriculum Links

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Age Group: Reception (EYFS)
Curriculum Area: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Physical Development
Statutory Framework Reference:

• Physical Development – Moving and Handling: Children show good control and coordination in large and small movements. They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Managing Feelings and Behaviour: Children adjust their behaviour to different situations and take changes of routine in their stride.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Develop an understanding of basic shooting skills in football.
2. Learn to strike a ball using different parts of the foot (inside, laces, toe-poke).
3. Practise aiming and shooting towards a target with increasing accuracy.
4. Work cooperatively in small teams during shooting activities.

---

Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

1. Warm-Up – "The Super Strikers" (10 minutes)

Objective: Get children moving to develop coordination, agility, and ball-contact confidence.

• Activity:
  • Spread cones randomly across the playing area.
  • Each child has a ball and must dribble slowly, weaving through the cones.
  • On the teacher’s signal ("Strike!"), children stop the ball and pretend to kick it towards an imaginary goal.
  • Introduce small, big, and gentle kicks to help them understand power control.
• Key Teaching Points:
  • Keep soft touches on the ball while moving.
  • Maintain balance by slightly bending knees and keeping arms out.
  • Encourage light kicks rather than ‘toe-poking’ to develop control.

---

2. Teaching the Shooting Technique (10 minutes)

Objective: Demonstrate different shooting techniques and focus on precision over power.

• Teaching Methodology:
  • Gather children in a semi-circle around the teacher.
  • Using a large target (e.g., a pop-up goal or cones as a marked zone), demonstrate:
    1. Inside Foot Shot – Gentle and controlled, best for accuracy.
    2. Laces Kick – A more powerful shot, striking the middle of the ball.
    3. Toe-Poke (not encouraged but fun for younger children).
• Guided Practice:
  • Set up small groups of 4-5 students with a ball each.
  • Each child takes turns kicking towards a target (hula hoop or cone goal).
  • Teacher circulates, providing feedback on foot positioning and balance.

---

3. Shooting Station Challenges (15 minutes total)

Objective: Encourage shooting accuracy through fun, structured target games.

Station 1: The Power Shot (5 minutes)

• Children take turns running up and striking a ball towards a pop-up goal.
• Focus: Use laces to generate power but still keep some control.

Station 2: Target Zones (5 minutes)

• Cones placed inside a goal or marked area for aiming practice.
• Focus: Children aim to hit different coloured zones to earn ‘points’.

Station 3: Beat the Keeper (5 minutes)

• A teacher/teaching assistant stands as a goalkeeper (lightly defending).
• Each child gets two attempts to score past the ‘keeper’.
• Focus: Placement over power – aim for the corners!

---

4. Mini Competition – "Shooting Stars Showdown" (7 minutes)

Objective: Apply learned skills in a fun, pressure-free setting.

• Game Setup:
  • Children split into two teams.
  • Each child gets one shot at an open goal.
  • Each successful goal earns their team a star on the scoreboard (drawn or placed on a poster).
• Winning Criteria:
  • The team with the most stars at the end is the ‘Shooting Star Champions’ of the day.
  • Applaud all children for their efforts, encouraging self-confidence.

---

Cool Down – "Bubble Feet" (3 minutes)

Objective: Reintroduce calm and controlled movements to conclude the session.

• Children pretend their feet are wrapped in “bubbles” and must tap their ball lightly without “breaking” them.
• Slow movements encourage control and reduce post-session energy surges.
• End with a small team huddle, reflecting on favourite parts of the lesson.

---

Assessment for Learning (AfL)

✔ Can children demonstrate an understanding of different striking techniques?
✔ Are they able to adjust power and aim when shooting?
✔ Do they show teamwork and positive sporting behaviour?

Differentiation & Inclusion

• Support: Children struggling with coordination can use a stationary ball for shots instead of running up.
• Challenge: More advanced children can attempt shooting from further distances or at smaller targets.
• SEN Considerations: Modified ball sizes and slower-paced activities for non-confident participants.

---

Equipment Needed

✅ Footballs (1 per child)
✅ Pop-up goals (or cones to mark goals)
✅ Coloured cones
✅ Hula hoops (for target shooting)
✅ Scoreboard/poster (for ‘Shooting Stars’ game)

---

Final Reflection & Teacher Notes

This lesson encourages early ball-striking techniques in a fun and engaging way, ensuring all children feel successful regardless of ability level. It supports physical coordination, teamwork, and decision-making while reinforcing fundamental EYFS movement skills.

For the next lesson (Lesson 5), consider introducing passing techniques to help transition towards teamwork-based football games.

---

Teacher Tip:
Keep energy levels high with enthusiasm and praise. A classroom "Football Superstar" sticker or simple certificate could motivate children further!

---

By focusing on small practical steps, this lesson ensures Reception pupils develop confidence in football shooting without pressure, making learning engaging and tailored to their developmental stage. 🚀⚽