Grade 5
Course ContentSoccer/Netball
Jambo Mwanafunzi! Ready to Master the Pitch and the Court?
Welcome to the exciting world of Soccer and Netball! These aren't just games we watch on TV; they are a huge part of our Kenyan culture. From cheering on our mighty Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets in soccer, to celebrating the fantastic skills of our Malkia Strikers in netball, these sports bring us together. Today, we're going to break down the basics so you can play with confidence, skill, and most importantly, have fun!
Part 1: Soka! The Beautiful Game
Soccer, or football as most of the world calls it, is the most popular sport in Kenya. It's a game of passion, skill, and teamwork. Think of heroes like Michael Olunga scoring amazing goals for Kenya! The goal is simple: score by getting the ball into the opponent's net.
The Playing Field (Uwanja)
A soccer pitch is a rectangle with a goal at each end. It's divided into two halves by the halfway line. Key areas include the penalty area (the "box") and the goal area.
+-----------------------------------------------------+
| G |(_________________) (_________________)| G |
| O | | | | | | O |
| A | | A | | B | | A |
| L | |_________________| |_________________| | L |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |-------------------------| | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | (O) | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | |-------------------------| | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | (_________________) (_________________) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|___|_|_________________|_____________|_________________|_|___|
Goal Goal
Line Line
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, wide-angle shot of a high school soccer match in Kenya. The pitch is lush green, marked with white lines. Students in colourful school team kits are playing energetically. In the background, you can see Jacaranda trees and a crowd of fellow students cheering from the sidelines. The style should be realistic and full of action.
Basic Rules (Sheria za Msingi)
- Objective: Score more goals than the other team. A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts.
- Hands Off!: Only the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball with their hands, and only inside their own penalty area.
- Players: Each team has 11 players on the field at one time.
- Fouls: You cannot trip, push, or unfairly tackle another player. Doing so can result in a free-kick or a penalty for the other team.
- The Offside Rule: This is a tricky one! Basically, an attacking player cannot be nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent when the ball is played to them. It prevents players from just waiting by the goal!
Part 2: Netiboli! The Game of Precision and Teamwork
Netball is a fast-paced game that requires sharp passes, accurate shooting, and amazing teamwork. Unlike soccer, you can't just run anywhere you want! Each player has a specific role and a specific area of the court they are allowed to be in. It's like a perfectly coordinated dance!
The Court (Uwanja wa Netiboli)
A netball court is divided into three "thirds": a Centre Third and two Goal Thirds. There's a "Goal Circle" at each end where all the scoring happens.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Goal Third A | Centre Third | Goal Third B |
| _ | | _ |
| (_) Goal | ( ) | Goal (_) |
| Circle | Centre | Circle |
| | Circle | |
| | | | | |
|-------|---------|-----------------|--------|--------|
| | | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|_________________|_________________|_________________|
Player Positions and Their Zones
There are 7 players on a netball team, and each has a specific job and allowed zones. This is what makes teamwork so important!
- GS (Goal Shooter): Can only play in Goal Third A. Their job is to shoot goals!
- GA (Goal Attack): Can play in Goal Third A and the Centre Third. Helps the GS and also shoots.
- WA (Wing Attack): Can play in Goal Third A (but not the circle) and the Centre Third. Their job is to pass the ball to the shooters.
- C (Centre): The engine! The Centre can go everywhere except the two Goal Circles.
- WD (Wing Defence): Can play in Goal Third B (but not the circle) and the Centre Third. Tries to stop the other team's WA.
- GD (Goal Defence): Can play in Goal Third B and the Centre Third. Defends the other team's GA.
- GK (Goal Keeper): Can only play in Goal Third B. Their job is to stop the other team from scoring.
Image Suggestion: A dynamic action shot of a Kenyan inter-school netball game. A Goal Attack (GA) in a yellow and green bib is jumping to shoot the ball. A Goal Defence (GD) in a blue and white bib is reaching to block her. The court has clear markings, and other players are positioned in the background, focused on the play. The atmosphere is sunny and energetic.
Let's Get a Bit Technical: The Math Behind the Game!
Did you know sports are full of math? Understanding some simple calculations can help you appreciate the skill involved even more!
Calculating Player Speed in Soccer
How fast is a player like Michael Olunga when he sprints for a goal? We can calculate his speed using a simple formula.
Formula:
Speed = Distance / Time
Example:
Olunga runs 40 metres to chase a through-ball, and it takes him 5 seconds.
Calculation:
Speed = 40 metres / 5 seconds
Speed = 8 metres per second (m/s)
That's fast! To put it in perspective, that's like running the entire length of two matatus parked end-to-end in just one second!
Netball Shooting Accuracy
In netball, a good shooter is one who is very accurate. We can measure this as a percentage.
Formula:
Accuracy % = (Goals Scored / Total Shots Attempted) * 100
Example:
Your team's Goal Shooter (GS) scores 15 goals from 20 attempts during a game.
Calculation:
Accuracy % = (15 / 20) * 100
Accuracy % = 0.75 * 100
Accuracy % = 75%
A 75% shooting accuracy is excellent! It means she scores 3 out of every 4 shots she takes.
Your Turn to Shine! (Zoezi)
The best way to learn is by doing! You don't need a full team to practice and improve your skills. Here are some simple drills you can do:
- For Soccer:
- Find a wall and practice passing the ball against it. Try to control the ball with one touch when it comes back to you.
- Try "keep-ups" (juggling the ball with your feet, knees and head). See how many you can do without the ball touching the ground!
- For Netball:
- With a friend or a family member, practice different passes: chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
- Draw a square with chalk on a high wall and practice shooting into it from different distances to improve your accuracy.
Kumbuka (Remember): Whether you are on the dusty pitch behind your school or a perfect green field, the most important rules are to try your best, respect your opponents and the referee, and have fun! Now go out there and play!
Champions on the Pitch and Court: Mastering Soccer and Netball!
Habari Mwanafunzi! Welcome to the exciting world of games. Have you ever felt the roar of the crowd when Gor Mahia scores a last-minute goal? Or the suspense when a netball shooter from your school team takes the final, game-winning shot? Soccer and Netball are more than just games in Kenya; they are about passion, teamwork, and staying healthy. Today, we will break down these two amazing sports so you can play better, understand them more, and even see the science behind the skills. Let's get started!
Soccer (Mpira wa Miguu) - The Beautiful Game
From the dusty fields in our villages to the grand stadiums like Kasarani, soccer unites us all. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and pure heart. Let's learn how to play it like our heroes from Harambee Stars!
The Pitch and the Players
A standard soccer match has two teams of 11 players each. The main objective is simple: score a goal by getting the ball into the opponent's net. Here is a simple layout of the pitch:
+---------------------------------------------------+
| G | | D | | G |
| O | Penalty Box +---+ Center +---+
| A | (18-yard) | o | Circle | |
| L | | | | A |
| +------------------+ +------------------+ L |
| |
| <- Halfway Line -> |
| |
| |
| |
+---------------------------------------------------+
- Goalkeeper (GK): The only player allowed to use their hands (inside their penalty box) to stop the ball.
- Defenders (DF): Their main job is to stop the other team from scoring.
- Midfielders (MF): The "engine" of the team! They play both defence and attack, linking the two.
- Forwards/Strikers (FW): Their primary goal is to score goals! Think of players like Michael Olunga.
Scenario: The Mashemeji Derby!
Imagine it's Gor Mahia vs. AFC Leopards. A Gor Mahia midfielder wins the ball, dribbles past one player, and makes a long pass to the striker. The striker controls the ball, fakes a shot to trick the defender, and then scores in the bottom corner! This entire sequence involves multiple skills: tackling, dribbling, passing, and shooting. That's teamwork in action!
A Touch of Math on the Pitch!
Did you know math is a big part of soccer? Let's calculate the area of the penalty box. This is the zone where if a defender commits a foul, the other team gets a penalty kick!
Formula: Area = Length × Width
Standard Dimensions:
Length = 40.3 meters
Width = 16.5 meters
Calculation:
Area = 40.3m * 16.5m
Area = 664.95 square meters
That's a lot of space for the goalkeeper to defend!
Image Suggestion: [A dynamic, wide-angle shot of young Kenyan boys and girls playing a spirited game of soccer on a dusty pitch during sunset. The mood is joyful and energetic, with silhouettes of acacia trees in the background.]
Netball - Fast, Furious, and Fun!
Netball is a super-fast, non-contact game that requires quick thinking, sharp passing, and accurate shooting. It's all about teamwork and strategy. Our very own national team, the Malkia Strikers, shows us how it's done on the world stage!
The Court and Player Positions
A netball team has 7 players on the court. Each player has a specific position and is only allowed in certain areas, or "thirds," of the court. This is what makes teamwork so important!
+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| Goal Third (A) | Center Third | Goal Third (B) |
| | | |
| /S\ | | /S\ |
| | o | | <--- Center Circle ->| | o | |
| \ / | | \ / |
| | | |
+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
(S) = Shooting Circle | o = Goal Post
Key rules to remember:
- No Contact: You cannot push or hold other players.
- No Running with the Ball: Once you catch the ball, you have to stop. Your landing foot must stay on the ground, but you can pivot on it.
- 3-Second Rule: You must pass or shoot the ball within three seconds of catching it.
- Restricted Areas: Players can only go into the zones their position allows. For example, the Goal Keeper (GK) can only play in their team's Goal Third.
The Angles of Success (Netball Math)
Shooting in netball is pure physics and geometry! To score, a player must shoot from inside the Shooting Circle. The best shooters release the ball at an optimal angle to give it a high, looping arc towards the hoop.
The Perfect Shot Arc:
* <-- Ball's highest point
/ \
/ \ <-- Gravity pulls the ball down
/ \
/ O <-- Into the Hoop!
/
Player O
A good shooting angle is usually between 45 and 55 degrees.
Too low (less than 45°) and the ball might hit the front of the rim.
Too high (more than 55°) and it's harder to control the distance.
Image Suggestion: [An action shot of two female Kenyan netball players in mid-air. One is the Goal Shooter, focused and elegant, releasing the ball towards the hoop. The other is the Goal Keeper, stretching high to defend. The atmosphere is tense and competitive, set in an indoor school gymnasium.]
You're the Most Valuable Player (MVP)!
Wow, what a session! We've covered the basics of soccer and netball, from the layout of the pitch and court to the skills and even the math that makes the games work. Remember, whether you are dribbling a soccer ball or pivoting for a pass in netball, every great player started with the basics.
The most important thing is to have fun, respect your teammates and opponents, and always try your best. Now, grab a ball, find some friends, and get playing. Tujitume uwanjani! (Let's give our all on the field!)
Habari Mwanafunzi! Let's Get Ready to Play!
Welcome to the most exciting part of PHE! Today, we're diving into two of the most loved games in Kenya and across the world: Soccer (Mpira wa Miguu) and Netball. Whether you dream of scoring the winning goal for Harambee Stars like Michael Olunga or making a perfect shot for our national netball team, the Malkia Strikers, this lesson is your first step. We'll learn the rules, understand the field of play, and see how these games keep us strong and healthy. Twende kazi!
Soccer (Mpira wa Miguu) - The Beautiful Game
From the dusty pitches in our villages to the grand stands of Kasarani Stadium, soccer is a game that brings Kenyans together. It's a game of skill, speed, and teamwork!
The Playing Field (Uwanja)
A soccer pitch is a large rectangle with a goal at each end. The main job is to get the ball into the other team's goal. Simple, right? The field has specific markings that are very important.
+-----------------------------------------------------+
| | | |
| +-----------------+ +-----------------+ |
| | | | | |
| | Penalty Area | | Penalty Area | |
| | (o) | | (o) | |
| | | | | |
| +-----------------+ +-----------------+ |
| | | |
| Goal | Center Circle | Goal |
| | ( ) | |
| | | |
| +-----------------+ +-----------------+ |
| | | | | |
| | (o) | | (o) | |
| | | | | |
| +-----------------+ +-----------------+ |
| | | |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, sun-drenched photograph of a group of diverse Kenyan boys and girls of various ages playing soccer with a homemade ball on a dusty community pitch in a rural setting. The mood is joyful and energetic, capturing the pure love of the game.
Basic Rules & Positions
While the game is simple to understand, it has some key rules to make it fair and fun:
- Teams: Two teams of 11 players each.
- Objective: To score a goal by getting the ball into the opponent's net.
- No Hands! Only the Goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with their hands, and only inside their own penalty area.
- Positions: Players have different jobs:
- Goalkeeper (Kipa): Protects the goal.
- Defenders (Mabeki): Stop the other team from scoring.
- Midfielders (Viungo): Connect the defense and the attack. They play all over!
- Strikers (Washambuliaji): Their main job is to score goals.
- Fouls: Pushing, tripping, or unfair tackling results in a free kick for the other team.
A Quick Story: Imagine the annual inter-school match between Sunshine Secondary and Boma High. The score is 1-1 with only minutes left. Boma's midfielder, Akinyi, sees her striker, Juma, making a run. She passes the ball perfectly between two defenders. Juma controls it with one touch and scores! The crowd goes wild! It wasn't just Juma's goal; it was Akinyi's great pass and the whole team's hard work that led to the victory. That is teamwork!
Netball - Fast, Furious, and Fun!
Netball is a super-fast game that requires quick thinking, sharp passing, and accurate shooting. It's very popular in our schools and is a fantastic display of agility and strategy.
The Netball Court
A netball court is smaller than a soccer pitch and is divided into three equal parts (thirds). This is very important because players are only allowed in certain areas depending on their position!
+-----------------------------------------------+
| | | |
| (O) | Center | (O) | Goal
| | Third | | Third
| Goal | | Goal |
| Third |-------( )-------| Third | Center Circle
| | | |
| | Transverse Line |
| | | |
+-----------------------------------------------+
Image Suggestion: A dynamic action shot of a Kenyan school girls' netball team during a match. The focus is on the Goal Shooter (GS) jumping to make a shot, with the Goal Keeper (GK) defending. The players are wearing bright, matching school uniforms, and the atmosphere is competitive but positive.
Key Rules & Positions
Netball has unique rules that make it different from basketball or soccer:
- Teams: Two teams of 7 players each on the court.
- No Running with the Ball: Once you catch the ball, you cannot run. You can take one step to land but must keep one foot on the ground (this is called pivoting).
- 3-Second Rule: You must pass the ball or shoot for a goal within three seconds of catching it.
- Zoned Positions: Each player wears a bib with their position and can only go into specific thirds of the court. This is the most important rule!
- GS (Goal Shooter): Can score, only allowed in the attacking Goal Third.
- GA (Goal Attack): Can score and help bring the ball forward.
- C (Centre): Can go everywhere except the goal circles. The engine of the team!
- GD (Goal Defence): Defends the opponent's shooters.
- GK (Goal Keeper): Main job is to stop the GS and GA from scoring.
- No Contact: You cannot push or knock into other players. You must also stand 3 feet away from the player with the ball.
The "Health" in Physical & Health Education
Playing soccer and netball isn't just fun; it's one of the best things you can do for your body and mind!
- Cardio Power: All that running builds a strong heart and lungs.
- Strong Muscles & Bones: Kicking, jumping, and changing direction strengthens your whole body.
- Agility & Balance: You learn to move your body quickly and stay on your feet.
- Teamwork & Communication: You learn how to work with others to achieve a common goal. This is a skill for life!
- Stress Buster: Having fun and being active is a great way to forget your worries and boost your mood.
A Little Bit of Math: Calculating Your BMI
A simple way to check if your weight is in a healthy range for your height is by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI). Remember, this is just a guide! Being active and eating well is what truly matters.
Here is the formula:
BMI = Weight (in kilograms) / (Height (in meters) * Height (in meters))Let's calculate for a student named Kamau.
- Kamau's Weight: 50 kg
- Kamau's Height: 1.6 meters
Step 1: Square the height.
1.6 m * 1.6 m = 2.56
Step 2: Divide the weight by the result from Step 1.
50 kg / 2.56 = 19.53
Kamau's BMI is approximately 19.5. This is in the healthy range for most young people!
Your Turn to Play!
Today we've learned the basics of two amazing games. We've seen how soccer relies on open space and teamwork, while netball is about quick passes and strategic positions. Most importantly, we've learned that both are fantastic for our health.
So, the next time you have a chance, grab a ball, call your friends, and get moving! Whether you are dribbling a soccer ball on the field or pivoting on a netball court, remember to play fair, have fun, and try your best. Safari njema katika michezo!
Habari Mwanafunzi! Ready to Rule the Pitch and Court?
Welcome to the exciting world of Soccer and Netball! These aren't just games; they are a huge part of our Kenyan culture. From cheering for the Harambee Stars at Kasarani Stadium to playing a thrilling game of netball during inter-house competitions at school, these sports bring us together. Today, we'll break down the rules, skills, and even a bit of the science behind these amazing games. Let's get started!
Part 1: Soka! The Beautiful Game (Soccer)
Soccer, or football as most of the world calls it, is a game of passion, skill, and strategy. The goal is simple: get the ball into the opponent's net more times than they get it into yours, using any part of your body except your hands or arms (unless you're the goalkeeper!).
The Playing Field (Uwanja wa Soka)
A soccer pitch is a rectangle with specific markings. Understanding them is key to understanding the game, especially rules like offside!
+------------------------------------------------------+
|G []=============================================[] G|
|O | | | | | |O|
|A | | | | | |A|
|L | | Penalty | Center | Penalty | | |L|
| | | Area | Circle | Area | | | |
|L | | | | | |L|
|I | |_______________|_______________| | |I|
|N |/ \ / \|N|
|E +-------------------( )-------------------+ E|
| |\ / \ /| |
|L | | | | | |L|
|I | | | | | |I|
|N | | Penalty | | Penalty | | |N|
|E | | Area | | Area | | |E|
|A | | | | | |A|
|O | |_______________|_______________| | |O|
|G []=============================================[] G|
+------------------------------------------------------+
Image Suggestion: A dynamic, colorful photo of young Kenyan teenagers playing soccer on a dusty community pitch in a place like Mathare. The sun is setting, casting long shadows. Show the energy, joy, and a sense of community. The style should be realistic and vibrant.
Key Rules You MUST Know!
- The Offside Rule: This can be tricky! A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them. You can't just camp next to the goalkeeper waiting for the ball!
- Handball: Deliberately touching the ball with your hand or arm is a foul. It results in a free kick for the other team.
- Fouls and Cards: A rough tackle can result in a foul. A yellow card is a warning, but two yellow cards equal a red card, which means you're sent off the pitch!
Imagine Michael Olunga, our star striker for the Harambee Stars. He times his run perfectly, staying just behind the last defender. His teammate sees him and passes the ball into the space ahead. Olunga sprints onto it, one-on-one with the keeper... and he scores! That's a perfect example of beating the offside trap.
Part 2: Netiboli! The Game of Precision and Teamwork
Netball is a fast-paced game that requires sharp passes, accurate shooting, and incredible teamwork. Unlike soccer, you can't run with the ball. The game is all about moving the ball quickly down the court by passing to your teammates to score a goal.
The Court and Positions
The netball court is divided into three "thirds". Each player has a specific position and is only allowed in certain thirds of the court. This is what makes teamwork so important!
+------------------------------------------------+
|------------------ Goal Third ------------------|
| /---\ |
| ( GS ) GA |
| \---/ |
|----------------- Center Third -----------------|
| C |
| WA ---( )--- WD |
| C |
|----------------- Goal Third -------------------|
| /---\ |
| GD ( GK ) |
| \---/ |
+------------------------------------------------+
Positions: GS (Goal Shooter), GA (Goal Attack), WA (Wing Attack),
C (Centre), WD (Wing Defence), GD (Goal Defence), GK (Goal Keeper)
Image Suggestion: A bright, sunny shot of a Kenyan school's outdoor netball court. A group of teenage girls in their school uniforms are in the middle of a fast-paced game. One player is jumping to shoot, and others are in position. Focus on the teamwork and concentration. The style should be clean and aspirational.
The Golden Rules of Netball
- Stepping Rule: Once you catch the ball, you cannot run or walk with it. Your landing foot must stay grounded, but you can pivot on it to pass. You must pass or shoot within three seconds!
- Obstruction: When defending, you must be at least 3 feet (about 1 meter) away from the player with the ball. You can't just stand in their face!
- Zonal Play: Each position (GA, C, GK, etc.) has designated zones they must stay within. For example, only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can shoot for a goal.
Brain Power! The Maths and Physics Behind the Games
Believe it or not, sports are full of science and math! Understanding them can even make you a better player.
Calculating a Player's Speed in Soccer
Ever wonder how fast a player like Victor Wanyama runs to control the midfield? We can calculate it using a simple formula: Speed = Distance / Time.
Let's say a player runs from the halfway line to the penalty box, a distance of about 40 meters. If it takes them 5 seconds, what is their speed?
Step 1: Identify the formula
Speed = Distance / Time
Step 2: Plug in the values
Distance = 40 meters
Time = 5 seconds
Step 3: Calculate the result
Speed = 40 m / 5 s
Speed = 8 m/s (meters per second)
The Perfect Shooting Arc in Netball
To score a goal in netball, the shooter must get the ball to travel in a high arc to drop into the net. This is called projectile motion. The best angle to shoot for maximum distance (if you were on a flat field) is 45 degrees. For netball, you need a higher arc to clear the hoop.
Goal
|
\ | /
\|/
O <-- Net
/ \
/ \ <-- A high, successful arc
/ \
/ \
/ \
Player ----> O (Ball)
A shot with a low arc might hit the rim and bounce out!
Tuko Pamoja! Why Teamwork is Everything
Whether it's soccer or netball, one thing is true: you cannot win alone. A perfect pass is just as important as a beautiful goal. These games teach us how to communicate, trust our teammates, and work together. This is the spirit of Harambee – pulling together to achieve a common goal. Always remember to play fair, respect your opponents and the officials, and most importantly, have fun!
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." – Michael Jordan
Pro Tip
Take your own short notes while going through the topics.
