Unit Plan 15 (Grade 2 PE): Dribbling & Control with Feet

Focus: Develop dribbling control and combine movement with kicking by helping students use small foot touches, weave through cones, and finish with a kick to a mini goal.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Dribbling & Kicking • Space Awareness)

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

I. Introduction

Students build stronger foot-control skills by learning how to keep a ball close while moving through space and then use that control to set up a kick toward a target. This unit begins with follow-the-leader dribbling in general space so students can practice using small touches, stopping on signal, and staying aware of other movers. Students then apply those skills in a Cone Dribble Course, where they weave in and out of cones and finish with a controlled kick into a mini goal. The unit helps students understand that successful dribbling is not about kicking the ball far ahead and chasing it. Instead, it is about keeping the ball near the feet, using space wisely, and combining dribbling with a purposeful final kick.

Essential Questions

• How can I keep the ball close to my feet while moving?
• What helps me dribble safely when other students are moving around me?
• How can I combine dribbling and kicking in one smooth sequence?
• How does good space awareness help me control the ball and avoid collisions?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate simple foot dribbling using small controlled touches in open and cone-marked spaces.
2. Kick a stationary or slowly moving ball toward a mini goal with improving accuracy.
3. Combine dribbling and kicking in one sequence during simple skill challenges.
4. Show space awareness by moving safely in general space and around obstacles.

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:S2.2a – Space Awareness in Games Demonstrate understanding of personal and general space by moving safely during tag, chasing, and fleeing games.
  • Example: Students avoid collisions while moving quickly during a tag game by staying aware of others and changing direction.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use small foot touches to keep the ball close.
• I can dribble around cones without losing control of the ball.
• I can dribble and then kick toward a mini goal.
• I can move safely in general space without bumping into others.