WEEK 16: SOCCER IS FINALLY HERE

After practicing a week of kicking, students have been rewarded with two weeks of soccer. This is actually not normal soccer but "Two Ball Soccer". The rule changes are as follows: two balls in play at all times, no out of bounds on the side, no out of bounds on the ends, only stops of play on hand ball and fouls. This is another good opportunity for students to learn how a referee impacts a game. The ball never stops unless blown dead by the referee (me). Sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized to keep a fun flow in the game. A small meeting with each team at the beginning talks about the importance and responsibility of the goalie, defense, and offense.

Kindergarten and first grade continue to practice the power kick on the ground then will play "Circle Number Ball". Students stand on a pre-set spot and colors and numbers are called, cuing students to race to the middle of the circle to get a ball and do some skill. Second grade will learn the punt. It will be introduced and then practiced in partner groups. After some practice time, these groups will punt over the soccer goal and then keep score. Cues for the punt include; dropping the ball 9not throwing it), drop and kick at the same time, and drop the ball forward to meet the foot.

WEEK 15: EVERYBODY KICKING

We remain on the field this week with all classes and are starting three weeks of "Kicking and Soccer." All grades will study the power kick. Students will learn that a power kick of a non-moving ball is used in football and soccer. It involves running to the ball, stepping beside the ball, bringing the foot under the ball, keeping the foot flexed, and following through with a high leg kick. We encourage long high kicks that can be caught in the air. Students will practice with partners in the field and then play "Goal Scoring." There are eight teams of two or three students in each line. A student will power kick to the goal for points from 10 to 20 yards away depending on the level. One point through the soccer goal, two points between the narrow passage inside the cone target and three points over the goal like a field goal. Students will also gain points from hustling and good teamwork and sportsmanship. Kindergarten and first grade will be a little less organized. They will "Kick and Go" all the way down to the opposite goal. They will score goals repeatedly and not in any order to help them learn about goals and points.

This is Coach Viau's last week at Williams. If you see him tell him what a great job he did teaching here at our school. We wish him the best of luck and know that he will be a great PE teacher somewhere!