Kick Instep

Requirements

• Open and flat outdoor space at least 5m by 10m
• Soccer goal, or tall fence, hedge, or building wall without windows
• Soccer ball
• 2 empty milk cartons, large yoghurt containers, or other objects for goal posts

Instructions

1. If you don’t have access to a soccer goal, create your own goal. Place 2 milk cartons, yoghurt containers, or other objects 3-4 metres apart beside a tall fence, hedge or wall.
2. Show your child how to kick a soccer ball with the instep (the “laces” on your kicking foot).
3. Start behind the ball and step forward to plant your standing foot 10-15cm away to one side of the ball.

   TIP: Make sure the toes of your standing foot are pointed at the goal.

4. As you step, follow by swinging your kicking foot, and contact the ball with your laces, toes pointing straight down.

   TIP: Bend the knee of your standing leg slightly, and do the same with your kicking leg.

5. Once your child understands how to kick with the instep, encourage he or she to shoot on you in goal.
6. Choose shooting distance based on size and strength of your child.
7. Practice for no more than 15 minutes at one time, as kicking leg will get tired.
8. Celebrate goals!

   TIP: Your child is NOT allowed to kick with toes. This is bad technique.

   TIP: Very few 5-6 year olds will be strong enough to do instep kicks.

Variations

• Most people are dominant in one foot when they kick (usually the right foot) – after your child has some success kicking with the dominant foot, practice kicking with the other foot

Benefits

This activity develops leg coordination, strength and fine motor control in the lower body. These skills transfer to sports and activities that involve kicking an object (e.g., soccer, football, martial arts).