Unit Plan 13 (Grade K PE): Kicking Basics

Focus: Help students develop foot-eye coordination and beginning kicking control through fun target games that build confidence, balance, and safe ball use.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Kicking • Foot-Eye Coordination)

Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students continue building early object-control skills by learning how to use their feet to tap, guide, and kick a ball toward a target. In Kindergarten, kicking works best when students begin with simple touches, short distances, and large goals that encourage success. This unit uses toe taps and ball dribbling with feet as a warm-up and then moves into playful kicking games where students kick balls toward goals. The goal is to help students strengthen foot-eye coordination, practice controlled contact with the ball, and feel successful using their feet in structured PE activities.

Essential Questions

• How can I kick a ball with control?
• What helps my foot hit the ball where I want it to go?
• How can I use soft taps and stronger kicks at the right time?
• How can I use balls safely in PE?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate beginning kicking skill with growing control and direction.
2. Use feet to tap, stop, and guide a ball in structured practice.
3. Kick a ball toward a large target or goal with improving accuracy.
4. Participate actively in fun kicking games using safe routines and safe spacing.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.Kc Demonstrate basic object-control skills (roll, underhand toss, catch, kick) in structured practice.
  • Example: Students roll a ball to knock down a foam pin.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tap a ball with my feet.
• I can kick a ball toward a goal.
• I can use a soft tap or a stronger kick when I need to.
• I can use balls safely in PE.