Goals into the Tipped-Over Box
Cardboard boxes tipped on their sides become tiny goals, and children push the ball with their foot (no big kicks) to get it inside. They practice aiming with the foot and controlling how hard they strike.
How to play
- We set up five box goals, and each group lines up behind its cone (2 min).
- First we roll the ball in by hand to see how big the goal is (2 min).
- Now with a foot: stop the ball, look at the box, and push it with the inside of the foot (5 min).
- We try from the farther cone or with the other foot (3 min).
- Each group takes the balls out of its box and folds it up to put away (2 min).
Rules
- I push the ball; I don't kick it hard.
- I stop the ball before I hit it.
- I get my ball and go to the back of the line.
Variations
Easier
At age 3, very big boxes, very close, and any part of the foot counts.
Standard
At age 4, we push with the inside of the foot from the cone.
Harder
At age 5, we dribble a few steps before pushing and try the other foot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: push the ball with a hand or a pool noodle from their chair.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell and hang a bell on the edge of the box.
- More skilled: angle the box slightly so they have to aim on a diagonal.
Learning goals
- Strike a ball with the foot in a chosen direction.
- Control how hard they hit.
- Improve step by step by choosing a longer distance.
Equipment for a class of 25
- large cardboard boxes: 5
- medium balls: 25
- cones: 5
Teacher tip
Set the boxes against a wall or put a weight inside so they don't fly off. Keep lines short so kids get lots of tries. Repeat "Ball still, look at the box, push."
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