Toe taps

Soccer Unit | Sample Skill and Game

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to toe tap the ball.

IMPORTANCE
Toe taps are important because they improve your rhythm, balance and control of the ball by using the soles of your feet.

When toe tapping, it is important to:

Practice 1: Line up on the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder. Put your ball on the ground in the control position. When I say, “GO!” perform 10 toe taps with both feet.
Practice 2: When I say, “GO!” perform 20 toe taps with both feet.
Practice 3: When I say, “GO!” perform 30 toe taps with both feet.

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Jurassic Park. In this game, you all have dinosaur eggs (soccer balls) that are almost ready to be hatched. Your goal is try and crack your dinosaur egg and protect it from the T-Rex.   

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will select a T-Rex. The T-Rex will wear a flag around their chest so they have limited arm movement.
• Before the game begins, line up shoulder-to-shoulder on the baseline with your dinosaur egg. 
• When I say, “GO!” continue to toe tap your egg so that it can crack.
• When I say, “CRACKED!” dribble your egg anywhere in the field.
• Once the eggs have been cracked, the T-Rex will try and capture your baby dinosaur.
• If your baby dinosaur has been captured, you are the T-Rex the next game.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach: Students may need to balance their ball on a short cone while performing toe taps.
• Approach: Make sure flags are secured safely around the T-Rex’s chest. 
• Discussion: Ask students to share who they saw doing a good job at quickly alternating their feet when trying to crack their egg.