New
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Lesson 4 of 6
  • Year 8

Kicking, chasing and retrieving a kicked ball

I can use a variety of kicks to get the ball accurately into space.

Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
  • Year 8

Kicking, chasing and retrieving a kicked ball

I can use a variety of kicks to get the ball accurately into space.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: dropping the ball onto the top of the striking foot, to use the laces, increases the accuracy of most kicks.
  2. Think: you need to be behind the kicker to be considered onside and able to chase down a kick.
  3. Feel: unconventional chip and chase, grubber and cross-field kicks are fun and can provide creative solutions.
  4. Connect: working closely with a group of players enables you to provide just the right level of support and challenge.

Keywords

  • Up and under kick - a high kick to run on to and challenge for the ball in the air

  • Grubber kick - a low, bouncing kick that travels along the ground

  • Breadbasket catch - a player cups their arms together in front of their chest to securely catch and cradle the ball, pulling it in to prevent a knock-on

Common misconception

A kick is only good if it is kicked far.

Kicking a ball successfully involves accuracy and tactical placement to find space, kicking into touch or to allow one of your team to catch and maintain possession.


To help you plan your year 8 physical education lesson on: Kicking, chasing and retrieving a kicked ball, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Be aware of space and direction here when pupils are kicking a balll - have them kicking in the same direction to avoid any collisions. You may also prefer to bring kicking in later in the sequence of learning to stop it distracting players from prioritising passing.
Teacher tip

Equipment

15 balls (1 between 2) and 30+ cones.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
How could you evade a defender?

run straight
stop running
Correct answer: side-step

Q2.
Where should a support runner start in relation to the ball carrier?

Correct answer: behind
next to
in front of

Q3.
What is it called when a player uses deception to pretend to pass?

cheating
spin pass
Correct answer: dummy pass

Q4.
Which is not a way to evade a defender?

change direction
change speed
Correct answer: change grip

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
How should you catch a high kick?

Correct answer: breadbasket
egg box
apple cart

Q2.
Where should you make contact with the ball when kicking?

side of boot
toe of boot
Correct answer: boot laces

Q3.
Which is not a type of kick?

grubber
Correct answer: spin
up and under

Q4.
What is the most important aspect of kicking?

Correct answer: kicking it accurately
kicking it wide
kicking it straight