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About this activity
Backyard Penalty Shootout turns any garden, park, or playground into a mini tournament. Children take turns shooting at a cone goal or taped target, keeping score on paper or the football skills scorecard printable. Works for mixed ages, needs minimal equipment, and pairs well with match-day bingo when matches are on later.
Print & play
Download the Football Skills Scorecard sheet
A skills circuit scorecard for dribbling, passing, balancing, and shooting stations in the garden or playground.
View Football Skills ScorecardMaterials needed
- Soft ball or football
- Cones or jumpers for goal posts
- Tape or chalk for goal line
- Paper for scores
Preparation time
5 minutes
How to play
- 1Mark a goal with cones, jumpers, or tape — about one metre wide for young children.
- 2Place the ball on a spot five to ten steps from the goal depending on age.
- 3Each player takes three shots, then swaps with the goalkeeper.
- 4Keep a simple score tally and celebrate good tries, not just goals.
Learning benefits
Turn-takingHand-eye coordinationConfidenceNumber practice
Best for
Tags
footballWorld Cupactiveoutdoorsportage-5school holiday
Seasons
summer
Occasions
World Cupweekendschool holiday
Key stages
EYFSKS1KS2
Weather
SunnyCloudyDry
SEN-friendly note
This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.
Safety note
Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.
