Kicking & Stopping Fun

Curriculum Area and Level

Curriculum Area: Physical Education

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Focus: Manipulative Skills – Kicking and Stopping

US National Standards for Physical Education: This lesson aligns with the SHAPE America Standard 1: "The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns."

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to kick a ball with control using the instep of their foot.
2. Effectively stop a ball using the bottom of their foot or the side of their foot.
3. Display understanding and cooperation by participating responsibly in a pair activity.

Materials Needed

• 13 soccer balls (1 ball per pair of students)
• Cones to mark boundaries (optional, for organization)
• Stopwatch or timer

Detailed Lesson Plan (9 Minutes)

Introduction (1 Minute)

• Greeting & Quick Overview (30 seconds):

  • Greet the students warmly. Explain that today’s activity will focus on kicking and stopping a soccer ball. This will help improve their coordination and soccer skills.

• Demonstration (30 seconds):

  • Quickly demonstrate a proper kick using the instep of the foot: "Swing your leg back, step with the non-kicking foot next to the ball, and strike the center of the ball with the inside of your foot."
  • Demonstrate stopping the ball with control by stepping on it gently or using the side of the foot.

Warm-Up Activity (2 Minutes) – "Dribble and Freeze"

• Instructions (30 seconds):

  • Have students spread out around the area. On your “go,” students will gently dribble their ball in space.
  • When they hear “freeze,” they should stop the ball and freeze in place.

• Execution (1.5 Minutes):

  • Start the activity. Use the “freeze” command three to four times. Encourage students to maintain control of both the ball and their body.

Main Activity (5 Minutes) – "Kick, Stop, Pass Pair-Up"

• Set Up (1 Minute):

  • Divide the students into pairs and spread them out to ensure space.
  • Each pair receives one ball.

• Instructions (1 Minute):

  • One student starts with the ball and kicks it to their partner, aiming for the instep of their foot.
  • The receiving partner stops the ball with their foot and then kicks it back.
  • Remind students to communicate with each other and use gentle but firm kicks.

• Activity (3 Minutes):

  • Set a timer. Have students practice kicking and stopping.
  • Walk around to provide feedback on techniques, praising correct form and offering tips for improvement.

Cool Down and Closure (1 Minute)

• Cool Down (30 seconds):

  • Have students pick up the ball and engage in a light jogging circle.
  • Ensure they do gentle stretching of the legs and ankles.

• Closure (30 seconds):

  • Gather students for a quick discussion:
    • Ask what they found easy or challenging about the kick-and-stop exercise.
    • Encourage feedback and emphasize the importance of practice.

Assessment

• Observe students during the main activity:
  • Note if they are using the correct part of their foot for kicking.
  • Ensure they demonstrate control when stopping the ball.

With this lesson plan, the teacher ensures a short and engaging session that emphasizes fundamental skills in a fun and cooperative way. Students will relish the opportunity to improve their soccer abilities while enjoying the camaraderie of working in pairs. Remember, practice makes perfect!