Distance and Angle Soccer Kick

Skill: Kick, Strike
Time Required: 15
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs, 13+ yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Remove any safety hazards and obstacles from the play area.
Remind participants to be aware of their surroundings and to keep their head up.
Remind participants that these are not meant to be hard shots.
Equipment: 1 soccer ball per participant (or 1 soccer ball per group).
6 or more pylons per group.
Objective:
For participants to kick the soccer ball through the pylons at all the different distances and angles.
Other Skills:
Coordination
Set up:
Divide participants into groups of 5-6.
For each group set up 2 pylons for a net (decide on how large the large will be depending on the participants).
Have 4 or more pylons at different distances and angles from the net.
Step by Step:
1. Each participant will try to kick and shoot the ball through the net at all the different pylon locations.
2. One participant from each group will go at a time.
3. They will go to the first pylon, and try to get it through the net.
4. Whether they miss or make it, they will go to the end of the line and the next participant will attempt to do the same thing.
5. If a participant made it through the net on the first shot, the next time it's their turn, they go to the second pylon. If they missed the first time, they try again at the first pylon.
6. Continue until one participant made it through all the pylons.
7. If two participants finish at the same round, then they will have a kick off.
8. Make the net smaller and choose a different location for the shot. First one to make it in wins. If they both make it in, then make the net smaller and/or change location.
9. The winner will get the letter 'G'.
10. Continue until one participant has spelt out 'G-O-A-L'.
11. OR
12. Play the same way, but instead of using the same net. Have different nets set up, that get smaller and smaller. Also, have the pylons for where to shoot, further away and at more difficult angles.
Variations:
Don't play with different rounds and winners. Once a participant has gone through all the shooting areas, they can then practice kicking with their other foot or kicking from further away.
Change the location of the shooting pylons and nets for each round.

Adaptations (Blindness/Visual Impairment):
Have another participant (perhaps a group member) stand at the net to enable those who are blind or visually impaired to aim.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.