Instep Kicking

Learning Outcomes

Leg coordination

Balance and control

Lower-body strength

Fine motor control in kicking

Skills transferable to sports such as soccer, football, hockey, and martial arts

Description Of Activity

1. Set Up the Goal

If a soccer goal is not available, create your own.

Place two milk cartons or containers 34 metres apart against a tall fence, hedge, or wall.

This becomes your goal.

2. Teach Instep (Laces) Kick Technique

Show your child how to use the instep (laces) of the foot to kick the ball.

Start behind the ball.

Step forward and plant the standing foot about 1015 cm to one side of the ball.

Tip: The toes of the standing foot should point directly toward the goal.

Swing the kicking foot forward and contact the ball with the laces.

Toes should point down.

Keep a slight bend in both the standing and kicking leg.

3. Practice Shooting

Once the child understands proper technique, encourage them to shoot on you (adult/teacher) acting as the goalkeeper.

Choose the shooting distance based on the childs strength and comfort.

Practice for no more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid fatigue in the kicking leg.

Celebrate every goal to keep motivation high!

Important Technique Tips

No toe-kicking! It teaches bad technique and may hurt the foot.

Many 56-year-olds may not yet be strong enough to kick powerfully with the instepfocus on technique over strength.

Variations

Once the child is comfortable using their dominant foot, have them practice using the non-dominant foot.

Slowly increase shooting distance as skill improves.

Add moving targets or small cones inside the goal to improve accuracy.

Equipment/Material Required

Open and flat outdoor space (minimum 5m × 10m)

Soccer goal or safe kicking surface such as a tall fence, hedge, or wall with no windows

1 soccer ball

2 empty milk cartons, yoghurt containers, or similar objects to create goal posts (if goal is not available)