Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Soccer – Trapping Using The Thigh Notes
Trapping Using The Thigh
Subject: Physical And Health Education — Topic: Soccer
Age: 11 years (suitable for Kenyan school PE lessons)
What is a thigh trap?
A thigh trap is when you stop or control a high ball by letting it touch your thigh so the ball becomes slower and easier to control. It is useful when the ball is coming from a long pass, a clearance, or a drop from the air.
Why learn the thigh trap?
- To control high passes safely and keep possession.
- To bring the ball down quickly to your feet for the next play.
- To help a teammate when receiving long passes or crosses.
- Useful during school games, pitch-side or village play in Kenya.
Safety and clothing
- Wear proper shoes: soccer boots or trainers with good grip for your school field.
- Keep knees slightly bent — this helps absorb the ball softly.
- If the ball is hard or very fast, make sure you are ready and look at the ball.
- Practice on grass or a safe pitch — avoid hard surfaces when learning.
The basic steps (easy to remember)
- Watch the ball as it comes toward you (eyes on the ball).
- Stand with your body side-on to the ball (one foot slightly forward).
- Bend the knee of the leg you will use to trap (this creates a soft surface).
- Lift that thigh a little and tilt it back so the ball will roll down your thigh.
- Relax your thigh muscle slightly at the moment of contact to "cushion" the ball.
- As the ball falls, guide it down to your foot and prepare your next move (pass, dribble, or shoot).
Quick coaching points
- Keep arms out a little for balance but do not push other players.
- Do not use your knee or shin — trap with the flat part of the thigh.
- Step forward after the trap to keep play moving.
- Always look where you want the ball to go next.
Simple practice drills (can be done in school PE)
- Partner throw and trap: In pairs, one player gently throws the ball in the air; the partner uses the thigh to trap and returns the ball.
- Wall trap: Toss the ball at a low angle against a wall and practice trapping as it comes back.
- Moving trap: Jog slowly forward; partner plays a long pass ahead of you. Trap with thigh, control, and dribble to next cone.
- Trapping relay: Teams form lines; each child traps a high ball and runs back; first team to finish wins.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Stiff leg — not bending the knee. Result: ball bounces away.
- Watching the ground instead of the ball — you must track the ball.
- Using the wrong part of the leg (knee or shin) — use the flat thigh.
- Freezing after the trap — always prepare the next action (pass, dribble).
A short success checklist for learners
- I watch the ball until it touches my thigh.
- I bend my knee and cushion the ball.
- I bring the ball down to my feet under control.
- I can trap the ball from a gentle long pass at least 4 times in a row.
Simple diagram
Below is a small picture to show how the ball meets the thigh and drops to the foot:
Fun challenge for class
In PE, set 1 minute per player to receive and trap as many passes using the thigh as possible. Count successful traps that bring the ball under control. Celebrate progress and teamwork.