Grade 3 Movement Basic Motor Skill – Striking Notes
Movement — Basic Motor Skill: Striking
Age: 8 years • Kenya — Notes for P.E. or class practice
1. What is "Striking"?
Striking means hitting or kicking a ball or object so it moves. We use striking in games like football (soccer), cricket and other playground games. It helps your balance, power and control.
2. Types of striking (easy examples)
Kicking (Football)
⚽
Use the inside or laces of your foot to kick the ball.
Bat/Stick striking (Cricket or school games)
Use a bat or stick to hit a rolling or thrown ball. Keep your eyes on the ball.
Hand striking (volleyball-style or simple hit)
✋
Hit the ball with your hand or forearm when playing simple games.
3. Easy steps to learn a good kick (3 simple steps)
- Approach the ball slowly — take 1 or 2 steps.
- Plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball (point it to the target).
- Swing your kicking leg and hit the ball with the inside or laces. Follow through so your foot continues toward the target.
4. Easy steps for bat/stick striking
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, turn your body sideways to the bowler/thrower.
- Keep your eyes on the ball as it comes close.
- Swing the bat/stick from low to high and follow through after you hit the ball.
5. Warm-up (do these for 5–8 minutes)
- Light jog around the field (1–2 minutes).
- Leg swings and knee lifts (20 seconds each leg).
- Arm circles and shoulder rolls (20 seconds each).
- Practice 5 slow kicks or swings to get ready.
6. Safety tips (very important)
- Wear shoes or plimsolls. No barefoot on hard ground.
- Make sure there is plenty of space — no one standing too close.
- Use a soft ball (plastic or foam) for practice if possible.
- Listen to your teacher or coach and stop if you feel pain.
7. Fun practice games you can do at school or at home
Target Kick
Set up cones or empty bottles as targets. Try to knock over a target with your kick. Score points for accuracy.
Bat & Roll
One child rolls a ball. The batter hits the rolling ball and runs to a cone and back. Use a soft ball or a wrapped sock ball.
Hit the Hoop
Place a hoop or bucket; try to hit or drop the ball into it from a short distance.
8. How teachers can assess progress
- Accuracy: Does the child hit the target more than once?
- Balance: Does the child stay steady after striking?
- Technique: Is the non-kicking foot placed correctly? Eyes on the ball?
- Effort and safety: Does the child try and follow rules?
9. Quick practice plan (10–15 minutes)
- Warm-up (4 min).
- Skill demo by teacher (1–2 min).
- Pair practice (5–8 min) — one rolls/throws, the other strikes.
- Short game or target challenge (2–3 min).
10. Quick quiz (ask the class)
- Which foot should you plant beside the ball before kicking? (Answer: Your non-kicking foot.)
- Name one safety rule before practice. (Answer: Wear shoes / keep distance.)
- Why do we follow through after a strike? (Answer: For power and direction.)
Teacher tip: Use local, safe equipment — wrapped socks for soft balls and empty plastic bottles for targets. Keep lessons fun and praise effort!