Ball Games: Soccer – JSS1 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Soccer, also called football, is a team ball game in which players move the ball mainly with their feet and try to score in the opponents’ goal. Its basic skills include kicking, passing, trapping, dribbling, throw-in, shooting, heading and goalkeeping. The game is controlled by a referee and played under rules that forbid fouls such as tripping or holding.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Narrate the history of soccer.
2. Describe the eight basic skills of soccer.
3. List the facilities and equipment used in soccer.
4. Name the officials of soccer and state their duties.
5. State some rules and regulations of soccer and the values of the game.

What is the history of soccer?

The true origin of soccer is difficult to determine, but one historian reported that soccer originated in Greece, where it was called harpaston. The Romans obtained the game from the Greeks and in turn passed it on to England. The English called it football, while the Americans called it soccer.

The game was brought to Nigeria by the colonial masters in the early 19th century. The British sailors who made stopovers in Nigeria played the game as recreation.

What are the basic skills and techniques of soccer?

1. Kicking: This is the act of moving the ball with the leg from place to place, either by the side of the toes or the instep.
2. Passing: This is the act of sending the ball from one player to other members of the team by kicking, chesting or heading.
3. Trapping: This is the act of stopping a moving ball with the sole, chest or head.
4. Dribbling: This is the act of moving with the ball and avoiding the opponents in a zigzag manner. In doing this, the ball is kept close to the feet.
5. Throw-in: This is the act of putting the ball back into play after it has gone over the touchline or sideline.
6. Shooting: This is the act of kicking the ball at the goalpost with the aim of scoring.
7. Heading: This is the act of playing the ball with the head.
8. Goalkeeping: This is the act of preventing the ball from going into the goal. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his hands during the match.

What facilities and equipment are used in soccer?

1. Nets
2. Balls
3. Jerseys
4. Scoreboard
5. Football boots
6. Football socks/hose
7. Shin guards
8. Stopwatch
9. Whistle
10. Corner flags
11. Referee’s cards (yellow and red)
12. Biro/pencil
13. Knee caps
14. Hand gloves, etc.
15. The field of play
16. The goalposts

Who are the officials of soccer and what are their duties?

1. The referee: The referee is the most important official in a game of football. He or she controls and enforces the laws of the game.
2. The linesmen: Two linesmen are required to assist the referee. They use the linesman’s flag to signal to the referee when there is an infringement of the rules of the game.
3. Match commissioner: He is responsible for substitution and also records the number of booked players on the field.
4. Reserve referee: This is the referee on standby.

What are the rules and regulations of soccer?

There are many rules of the game. Players must not do the following:

1. Charge an opponent dangerously
2. Hold an opponent
3. Strike an opponent
4. Kick an opponent
5. Handle the ball (except the goalkeeper within his penalty area)
6. Trip an opponent
7. Jump at an opponent
8. Use abusive language on players or officials

What are the values of soccer?

1. Fun and enjoyment
2. Life career
3. Mental development
4. Social development
5. Development of skills

Evaluation

1. Mention ten pieces of equipment and facilities for soccer.
2. List four values of soccer.

Assignment

1. Narrate the history of soccer.
2. List four officials of soccer.
3. Write out five rules and regulations governing soccer.