Kick to the Gate
Kick a ball through a cone gate from close range, then further, then on the run. The first football skill, without a goalkeeper to make it scary.
Overview
You need
Soft ballsCones or markers
Skills developed
- Manipulative: kicking a stationary ball
- Balance: standing on one foot to kick
- Aim: directing a kick
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Make gates from pairs of cones about a metre apart, one gate per two children, against a wall.
2Step 2
Place a ball two metres from each gate. Children queue behind the balls.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Kick the ball through the gate. Fetch it, bring it back to the spot, next child kicks.
- Move the ball back a step after every successful round.
- Then: two steps run-up, then kick.
Tips for explaining
"Standing foot next to the ball." Plant the non-kicking foot beside the ball, toes at the gate.
"Kick with your laces." Top of the foot, not the toe.
Make it easier / harder
EasierWider gate, bigger ball, closer.
HarderNarrow gate. Kick with the other foot. Kick a slowly rolling ball.
Safety
Gates against a wall so balls do not travel. Soft balls indoors.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.