Kicking

What to look for: Running kick

1. Continuous (preferably run/jog) multiple step approach to the ball

2. Longer last step towards ball before contact

3. Non Kicking foot next to the ball

4. Kicks ball with toe or instep of foot.

Games or Activities for practice:

• With a group of 4 or 5 organize into a small circle far enough away that you can touch another player with your arms stretched out. Each player takes turns kicking the ball to each other with no pattern as to who kicks to who.

• Play a second round by creating shapes and patterns as the ball travels around the group. Some suggested shapes are Circle, Square, Rectangle, Star.

• Play a game where after you kick the ball you trade places with the person who kicked the ball to you.

• Line up empty soda bottles in a line or in a triangle (think bowling or a pool table) and kick the ball until all the bottles are knocked down. Count how many kicks it took for you to knock them over. Compare number of kicks with peers or try it again and see if you can knock them all down in less kicks than the previous trial.

• Have someone roll the ball and practicing running and kicking the moving ball (similar to kickball).