Which Foot Kicks Today?
Children kick a soft ball with one foot and then the other toward cone goals, and try out which one feels more comfortable, without anyone telling them which it should be. It's a free exploration of foot preference.
How to play
- The teacher sets cone goals around the playground and each child takes a soft ball (2 min).
- Dribble the ball with one foot, tapping it so it doesn't get away (3 min).
- Kick toward a goal with whichever foot you like, fetch it and repeat (3 min).
- Now try kicking gently with the other foot at a nearby goal (3 min).
- Each child picks which foot kicks today and shows the teacher by pointing to it (2 min).
- Bring the ball home with little taps from both feet, one and then the other (2 min).
Rules
- Kick at a goal with nobody standing in front of it.
- Kick gently so the ball doesn't hit anyone.
- Both feet can kick: you choose.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, push the ball with a foot while walking and kick from standing at a very close goal.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, kick with one foot and then the other at goals three or four steps away.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, dribble, stop and kick, switching feet at each goal.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: push the ball with a hand, a foot or a pool noodle from the wheelchair.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell and a goal that makes noise (a box that rattles when hit).
- Less coordination: use a bigger, slightly deflated ball so it doesn't roll far.
Learning goals
- Explore kicking with each foot.
- Notice which foot feels most comfortable, without forcing it.
- Aim the ball at a target.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 25
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Never say "that's not your good foot": just make a mental note of which foot each child uses and when it changes, since it still varies at this age. Face the goals toward a wall so balls don't roll far.
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