Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Soccer – Trapping Using The Chest Notes
Physical & Health Education — Soccer
Subtopic: Trapping Using the Chest
Age: 11 years (Kenya) — Simple, safe steps to learn how to control a high ball using your chest so you can bring it down to your feet.
Objective (What learners will do)
- Learn how to trap a high ball with the chest safely.
- Bring the ball down under control to continue playing.
- Practice with a partner and in small groups on the school field.
Why chest trapping is useful
- Allows you to receive high passes and crosses.
- Helps you keep possession and control the game.
- Useful when a ball is above your head but not too high.
Safety & Equipment
- Wear proper kit: school PE shoes or trainers, shorts, shirt.
- Warm up for 8–10 minutes first (jogging, dynamic stretches).
- Make sure the playing area is free from stones or holes.
- Always keep your chin tucked slightly and bend knees to absorb impact.
Steps to trap the ball with your chest (easy steps)
- Watch the ball from the moment it leaves the passer's foot.
- Move under the ball so it comes down on your chest (not on your face).
- Stand tall, chest pushed out slightly, arms out for balance.
- Tuck your chin and lean back a little as the ball contacts your chest.
- Absorb the ball by gently giving with your chest so the ball falls to your feet.
- Take one touch with your foot to control, then pass, dribble or shoot.
Teaching points for teachers/coaches
- Use soft passes first — encourage correct body position before speed.
- Demonstrate from the front and side so learners see chest contact.
- Give positive feedback: "Good balance", "Tuck your chin", "Softer touch".
- Use small groups (3–4) so every child gets many attempts.
Practice activities & drills (10–20 minutes)
- Partner toss: Partners stand 5–8 metres apart. One partner tosses the ball high; the other traps with chest and passes back.
- Line trap: Make a line. Players take turns receiving a lofted ball, trapping with chest and then dribbling to the end of the line.
- Chest to pass: Trap with chest and immediately make a short pass to a teammate (improves control).
- Small game: Play 4v4; give extra point for a goal after a chest trap (encourages use in game).
- Local tip: Use cones, empty plastic bottles, or tins as markers — all work well on school fields in Kenya.
Common mistakes & how to fix them
- Ball hits face: Remind learner to tuck chin and watch the ball.
- Ball bounces away: Teach them to "give" with the chest to absorb energy.
- Poor balance: Practice with arms out and slightly bent knees.
Simple assessment for teacher (quick checklist)
- Stands under the ball: Yes / No
- Chin tucked: Yes / No
- Absorbs ball (gives with chest): Yes / No
- Brings ball down to feet and controls: Yes / No
Reflection questions for learners
- How did you feel when you trapped the ball? (Confident, nervous, etc.)
- What will you practise to improve your chest trapping?
- When in a real game would you use chest trapping?
Simple visual: chest trap diagram
Lean back slightly, tuck chin, and give with your chest so the ball falls to your feet.
Teacher note: Keep sessions fun and positive. Use praise and correct one thing at a time. Encourage learners to practise after school with friends — chest trapping helps in many match situations (e.g., receiving long passes or crosses).