Drop and Kick

What you need

• a soft ball

How to do it

1. Stand on grass holding the ball in both hands.
2. Drop it in front of your feet and kick it as it lands or once it's still.
3. Let them try: hold, drop, kick.
4. Fetch it together and have another go.

Why it matters

Dropping the ball and then kicking it asks their hands and feet to work in order, which is a step up from a ball placed on the ground.

What they're learning

Hands then feet

Letting go and then kicking is two moves in a row.

Timing

Kicking a ball that's just landed means waiting for the right moment.

Balance

Swinging a leg after looking down at the ball keeps them steadying themselves.

What to look for

Watch for them setting the ball down carefully in front of one foot before they kick.

A tip

Shoes with a good grip beat socks on a smooth floor. Clear a space first and use a soft, light ball.

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