Unit Plan 2 (Grade 3 PE): Soccer Fundamentals

Focus: Develop dribbling, passing, and movement to open space through beginner soccer activities and small-sided invasion-style games.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Soccer Skills • Passing & Dribbling • Open Space in Games)

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

I. Introduction

Students build foundational soccer skills by learning how to keep the ball close, pass with control, and move into open space during game play. In this unit, students begin with a ball dribble warm-up in lanes using both the right foot and left foot so they can practice control and directional changes while keeping their eyes up. They then apply those skills in Dribble Sharks & Minnows and Pass & Move Grids, where they must dribble away from pressure, pass to teammates, and reposition to stay available for the next play. Throughout the unit, students focus on foot control, safe spacing, continuous movement, teamwork, and basic offensive ideas that help invasion games feel more organized and successful.

Essential Questions

• How can I dribble a soccer ball with better control using both feet?
• Why is it important to move to open space after I pass?
• How can passing and dribbling help my team keep possession?
• What does good teamwork look like during soccer activities?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Dribble a soccer ball with increasing control using both feet and simple changes of direction.
2. Combine locomotor movement and ball skills in small-sided soccer activities.
3. Use personal and general space to avoid collisions and move into open areas.
4. Apply simple offensive strategies such as passing to an open teammate and moving after the pass.
5. Stay actively involved in soccer tasks for most of class time.
6. Cooperate with classmates by taking turns, encouraging others, and helping stations run smoothly.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3d – Kicking & Dribbling with Feet Dribble a ball with feet using control and change of direction, and kick a stationary or slowly moving ball toward a target or teammate.
  • Example: Students dribble around defenders in a small soccer grid and pass to an open teammate.
• PE:S1.3f – Combining Skills in Small-Sided Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills (run, dodge, throw, catch, strike, kick) in modified small-sided games.
  • Example: Students play 3v3 passing games where they must move to open space, receive a pass, and attempt to score in a goal zone.
• PE:S2.3a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use knowledge of personal and general space to find open areas, avoid collisions, and position appropriately during games.
  • Example: In keep-away games, students move away from defenders to create open passing lanes.
• PE:S2.3d – Basic Offensive Strategies Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, passing to an open teammate, and using quick changes of direction.
  • Example: In mini-soccer, students move into open space to receive a pass then quickly dribble toward the goal.
• PE:S3.3a – Participation in Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for most of the PE class time.
  • Example: Students remain engaged in continuous movement activities such as running games, circuits, or relays with minimal idle time.
• PE:S4.3b – Cooperation, Encouragement, and Teamwork Cooperate with partners and teams, share equipment, take turns, and encourage others.
  • Example: Students rotate through stations smoothly, give positive feedback to teammates, and help reset equipment.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can dribble with better control using my right foot and left foot.
• I can pass to a teammate and then move to open space.
• I can keep safe space between myself and others during soccer games.
• I can stay active during soccer practice and small games.
• I can encourage teammates and share equipment fairly.