Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 1
Games, Ball games (soccer)
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Games, Ball games (soccer)
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education
Class: Senior Secondary 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Theme: Theory And Practice Of Athletics And Dances
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Watch on YouTubeexplain and demonstrate the basic skills in soccer state the safety kits appropriate to soccer and the ir uses state important rules governing the game of soccer. draw and label soccer pitch.
110 meters (120 yards).
Width (Goal Line): Minimum 64 meters (70 yards) to Maximum 75 meters (80 yards).
Markings: All lines must be of the same width (not more than 12 cm or 5 inches).
Touchlines: Longer boundary lines.
Goal Lines: Shorter boundary lines where the goals are placed.
Halfway Line: Divides the pitch into two halves.
Centre Mark and Centre Circle: Mark the centre of the pitch; the circle has a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards).
Goal Area (Six-yard box): Formed by two lines 5.5 meters (6 yards) from each goalpost, extending 5.5 meters into the field and joined by a line parallel to the goal line.
Penalty Area (18-yard box): Formed by two lines 16.5 meters (18 yards) from each goalpost, extending 16.5 meters into the field and joined by a line parallel to the goal line.
Penalty Mark: A spot 11 meters (12 yards) from the midpoint between the goalposts.
Penalty Arc: An arc with a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the penalty mark, drawn outside the penalty area.
Corner Arc: A quarter circle with a radius of 1 meter (1 yard) drawn from each corner flagpost inside the pitch.
Goal Posts: Must be between 7.32 meters (8 yards) apart and 2.44 meters (8 feet) high from the ground. (Teacher should prepare a diagram on a board or chart for clear illustration.) impacts when catching or punching.
3. Appropriate Footwear (Football Boots/Cleats): Specialized shoes with studs (cleats) on the sole to provide grip and traction on grass or artificial turf, preventing slips and falls.
4. Team Jersey, Shorts, Socks: Standard kit, often made of breathable fabric for comfort and identification. Socks should cover shinguards.
5. First Aid Kit: Should always be available pitch-side for immediate treatment of minor injuries (cuts, bruises, sprains).
6. Water Bottle: Essential for hydration, especially in Nigeria's climate, to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
C. Important Rules Governing the Game of Soccer
1. Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each with not more than eleven players, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A match cannot start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
2. Duration of the Match: Two equal halves of 45 minutes each, with a half-time interval of not more than 15 minutes. Injury time is added at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages.
3. The Start and Restart of Play (Kick-off): A kick-off starts play at the beginning of each half and after a goal is scored. All players must be in their own half, opponents outside the centre circle. The ball must be kicked forward.
4. Scoring a Goal: A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no offence has been committed by the scoring team.
5. Offside Rule (Simplified): A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent. A player is only penalised for being offside if, at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, they are in an offside position AND are involved in active play (e.g., interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage).
6. Fouls and Misconduct: Direct Free Kick Offences: Kicking, tripping, jumping at, charging, striking, pushing, tackling (carelessly, recklessly or with excessive force), holding, spitting at an opponent. Also, handling the ball deliberately (except goalkeeper in own penalty area).
Indirect Free Kick Offences: Dangerous play, impeding an opponent, preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands.
Penalty Kick: Awarded when a direct free kick offence occurs inside the offender's own penalty area.
Yellow Card (Caution): Issued for less serious offences like unsporting behaviour, dissent, delaying restart, persistent infringements.
Red Card (Sending Off): Issued for serious fouls like violent conduct, serious foul play, spitting, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity by handling, or receiving a second yellow card.
7. Throw-in: Awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline (sideline). The thrower must face the field, have both feet on the ground on or behind the touchline, and use both hands to throw the ball from behind and over their head.
8. Goal Kick: Awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line (not into the goal) after being last touched by an opponent. The ball is kicked from anywhere within the goal area by the defending team.
9. Corner Kick: Awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line (not into the goal) after being last touched by a player of the defending team. The ball is kicked from the corner arc nearest to where the ball crossed the line. D. Drawing and Labeling Soccer Pitch The playing field, known as the pitch, must be rectangular.
Dimensions: Length (Touchline): Minimum 100 meters (110 yards) to Maximum 110 meters (120 yards).
Width (Goal Line): Minimum 64 meters (70 yards) to Maximum 75 meters (80 yards).
Markings: All lines must be of the same width (not more than 12 cm or 5 inches).
Touchlines: Longer boundary lines.
Goal Lines: Shorter boundary lines where the goals are placed.
Halfway Line: Divides the pitch into two halves.
Centre Mark and Centre Circle: Mark the centre of the pitch; the circle has a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards).
Goal Area (Six-yard box): Formed by two This section provides the comprehensive content required for the teacher to deliver the lesson. A. Basic Skills in Soccer These skills are fundamental for effective play and control of the ball.
1. Kicking: The act of striking the ball with the foot.
Instep Kick (Shooting/Long Pass): Used for powerful shots on goal or long passes.
Technique: Approach the ball at a slight angle. Plant the non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing towards the target. Swing the kicking leg back, then forward, striking the ball with the laces (instep) of the foot. Keep the ankle firm, knee over the ball, and follow through towards the target.
Inside of the Foot Kick (Push Pass): Used for short, accurate passes.
Technique: Approach the ball straight on or at a slight angle. Plant the non-kicking foot beside the ball. Turn the kicking foot outwards, striking the ball with the inside of the foot. Follow through in the direction of the pass.
Toe Poke: A quick, often unexpected kick with the front of the foot. Less accurate but can be powerful in close quarters.
Technique: Short back-swing, jab the ball with the toe, minimal follow-through.
2. Dribbling: Moving the ball by gently pushing it forward with the feet while running.
Technique: Keep the ball close to the feet, within striking distance. Use both the inside and outside of the foot to control the ball. Keep the head up to observe teammates and opponents. Vary speed and direction.
Inside of the foot dribble: Used for close control and changing direction.
Outside of the foot dribble: Used for moving the ball forward quickly in open space.
3. Passing: Sending the ball to a teammate.
Short Pass: Typically uses the inside of the foot for accuracy over short distances. (See "Inside of the Foot Kick" above).
Long Pass: Often uses the instep for power and distance. (See "Instep Kick" above).
Chip Pass: Lifting the ball over an opponent or obstruction.
Technique: Strike the ball with the instep or toe underneath its centre to create backspin and loft.
4. Trapping/Receiving: Bringing a moving ball under control.
Sole of the Foot Trap: Used for ground balls.
Technique: Position the foot over the ball, using the sole to "cushion" and stop its forward momentum.
Inside of the Foot Trap: Used for ground and low-bouncing balls.
Technique: Angle the inside of the foot to absorb the ball's impact, pulling the foot back slightly as contact is made.
Thigh Trap: Used for balls coming at waist height.
Technique: Lift the thigh to meet the ball, relaxing the muscle at impact to absorb its force and drop it to the feet.
Chest Trap: Used for balls coming at chest height.
Technique: Position the chest to meet the ball, arching the back slightly and relaxing the chest muscles to cushion the impact and drop the ball to the feet.
5. Heading: Striking the ball with the head, usually the forehead.
Technique: Keep eyes open, aim to contact the ball with the forehead. Use neck and core muscles to generate power. For defensive headers, aim to clear the ball. For offensive headers, aim for goal or a teammate. B. Safety Kits Appropriate to Soccer and Their Uses Safety equipment is crucial to prevent injuries during play.
1. Shinguards: Worn under the socks to protect the shins from kicks and impacts. Essential for all field players.
2. Goalkeeper Gloves: Worn by goalkeepers to protect hands and wrists, provide better grip on the ball, and cushion impacts when catching or punching.
3. Appropriate Footwear (Football Boots/Cleats): Specialized shoes with studs (cleats) on the sole to provide grip and traction on grass or artificial turf, preventing slips and falls.
4. Team Jersey, Shorts, Socks: Standard kit, often made of breathable fabric for comfort and identification. Socks should cover shinguards.
5. First Aid Kit: Should always be available pitch-side for immediate treatment of minor injuries (cuts, bruises, sprains).
6. Water Bottle: Essential for hydration, especially in Nigeria's climate, to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. *
C. Important Rules Governing the Game Phase 1: Introduction and Review (10-15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Warm-up: Lead students in light jogging, dynamic stretches (arm circles, leg swings, torso twists) to prepare muscles for activity. Briefly review previous lessons related to ball games or physical fitness.
Introduce the topic: "Games, Ball games (Soccer)" and state the performance objectives clearly. Ask probing questions like, "Who can name a famous Nigerian footballer?" to engage students and tap into prior knowledge.
Student Activity: Participate actively in the warm-up exercises. Respond to teacher's questions about football. Listen attentively to the objectives and introduction.
Phase 2: Explanation of Key Concepts (25-30 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Basic Skills: Explain each skill (kicking, dribbling, passing, trapping, heading) theoretically, breaking down the mechanics. Use visual aids (pictures, short video clips if available, or demonstrate briefly without a ball). Emphasise the importance of practice.
Safety Kits: Present and discuss each safety kit, explaining its purpose and why it is vital in Nigerian playing conditions (e.g., uneven pitches needing good boots, shinguards for protection from rough tackles). Bring actual examples if possible (shinguards, gloves).
Rules: Explain the core rules of soccer, focusing on player numbers, game duration, scoring, common fouls, and restarts (kick-off, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, offside simplified). Use simple scenarios to illustrate rule application (e.g., "What happens if a player intentionally uses their hand?").
Pitch Dimensions: Draw a simplified soccer pitch on the board, progressively adding and labeling all the lines and areas with their dimensions. Emphasise standard measurements.
Student Activity: Listen and take notes during explanations of skills, safety kits, and rules. Ask clarifying questions. Observe teacher's demonstrations or visual aids. Participate in drawing the pitch on their notebooks as the teacher guides them.
Phase 3: Practical Demonstration and Drills (45-50 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Move to an open field or suitable playing area.
Demonstrate Basic Skills: Personally demonstrate or use a skilled student to demonstrate each of the basic skills: Inside-of-the-foot pass (push pass). Instep kick (for power/shooting). Basic dribbling (using inside/outside of the foot, keeping ball close). Sole of the foot trap / Inside of the foot trap. Simple heading (without much force, just contact).
Organise Drills: Divide students into small groups.
Drill 1 (Passing & Trapping):* Students in pairs or small circles, practicing passing (inside of foot) and trapping (inside/sole of foot). Teacher moves between groups, providing individual feedback and corrections.
Drill 2 (Dribbling):* Set up cones for a simple dribbling course. Students dribble through, focusing on close control and using both feet.
Drill 3 (Kicking):* Set up small goals or target areas. Students practice instep kicks towards the target. Drill 4 (Heading - optional, light):* If safe and appropriate, have students lightly toss a soft ball to each other and practice gentle forehead contact.
Safety Kit Application: Discuss how safety kits are used during these practical sessions.
Student Activity: Observe teacher/student demonstrations carefully. Actively participate in the practical drills, practicing each skill. Receive and implement feedback from the teacher. Discuss the importance of safety equipment during practicals.
Phase 4: Consolidation and Q&A (10-15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Review the key aspects covered: skills, safety, rules, pitch. Ask questions to check for understanding and address any misconceptions. Provide a quick summary of the main points. Assign homework or prepare for the next lesson.
Student Activity: Ask any remaining questions. Participate in the review session. Take note of homework/next steps.
Community Development and Recreation: Soccer is the most popular sport in Nigerian communities. Understanding the rules and basic skills enables students to actively participate in local street football, inter-community tournaments, or casual games. This promotes social cohesion, physical fitness, and healthy competition, which are vital for youth development in Nigeria. For example, students can organise or officiate local tournaments using their knowledge of rules and pitch marking.
Health and Wellness: Regular participation in soccer, guided by the skills taught, contributes significantly to cardiovascular health, muscular strength, agility, and overall physical fitness. This is especially important in Nigeria where non-communicable diseases are rising, and active lifestyles are encouraged. The safety kits discussed directly relate to injury prevention, a critical aspect of sustainable physical activity.
Economic and Career Opportunities: Nigeria has a thriving football industry, from local leagues (NPFL) to international exports of players. Understanding the game provides insight into potential careers as professional players, coaches, referees, sports journalists, or even sports administrators. Students can relate their learned skills to the performances of Nigerian football stars (e.g., Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala) and envision similar pathways.