Unit Plan 26 (Grade 2 PE): Dribble, Pass, and Move

Focus: Combine foot dribbling, passing, and moving to open space in simple team play while staying active and using safe soccer-style game routines.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Simple Game Play • Active Participation)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students begin putting together several soccer-style skills in one connected game experience. Instead of practicing dribbling, passing, and kicking separately, this unit helps students use them together in ways that make sense in a simple team game. Students first practice foot dribbling in lanes and then in open space, where they learn to keep the ball close while watching for others. They then move into Mini-Soccer 3v3, where they pass to teammates, move into open space, and take controlled shots on large goals. The unit is designed to help students understand that successful play is not just about kicking the ball hard. It is about keeping the ball under control, looking for teammates, moving to helpful spaces, and staying active during the game.

Essential Questions

• How can I keep the ball close while dribbling?
• How can I pass to a teammate so they can control the ball?
• What does it mean to move to open space in a soccer game?
• How can I stay active and safe while playing in a small team game?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate foot dribbling with small controlled touches in lanes and open space.
2. Pass a ball to a teammate with improving control and direction.
3. Move to open space to support teammates during simple 3v3 game play.
4. Combine dribbling, passing, and kicking in a beginning soccer-style game.
5. Participate actively during skill practice and Mini-Soccer play.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.2d – Object Control: Kicking & Dribbling Kick a stationary and slowly moving ball toward a target and demonstrate simple foot dribbling in a controlled space.
  • Example: Students dribble a ball with their feet through a set of cones and then kick it into a goal.
• PE:S1.2f – Combining Skills in Simple Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills in simple game situations and challenges.
  • Example: Students run to pick up a ball, dribble it with their feet, and then kick it into a marked goal zone.
• PE:S2.2d – Simple Offensive & Defensive Concepts Begin to demonstrate basic offensive and defensive ideas such as moving to open space and staying between an opponent and a goal.
  • Example: In a simple keep-away game, students move to open spaces to receive a pass or stand between the ball and a target.
• PE:S3.2a – Active Participation in MVPA Participate consistently in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during class activities and games.
  • Example: Students remain active during a series of tag games, fitness challenges, or relay activities without sitting out unless instructed.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use small touches to dribble the ball with my feet.
• I can pass the ball to a teammate with control.
• I can move to open space so my teammate can pass to me.
• I can dribble, pass, and shoot in a small soccer game.
• I can stay active and ready during practice and games.