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Lesson 4 - Dribbling and Control

Foundation Ball Control and Spatial Awareness Through Feet

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Reception

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we keep control of our ball while moving through spaces like skilled footballers?

Learning Objectives

To understand what dribbling means and why it's important in games
To develop ball control using different parts of the feet
To learn how to move into spaces while keeping the ball close

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate basic dribbling technique with increasing control
Students will understand the importance of keeping the ball close when near defenders
Students will show they can move into empty spaces while controlling a ball

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Large tennis balls, bean bags for initial practice

Cones

40-50 mixed colours

Set up 8-10 goals (gates) and 15-20 defenders across space

Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags

Bibs

6-8

For identifying student defenders in advanced activity

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with your feet while keeping it under control

Control

Keeping the ball close and where you want it to be

Space

Empty areas on the playing field where there are no other players

Defender

A player trying to stop you from keeping the ball or scoring

Goal

The target you're trying to reach to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of kicking a ball
Can follow simple movement instructions
Understands concept of personal space

Current Skills

Ball control and dribbling technique
Spatial awareness and movement
Understanding of game tactics

Next Steps

More advanced dribbling techniques
Passing and receiving skills
Small-sided games with multiple objectives

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control over 10+ touches

Ability to change direction while maintaining control

Understanding of when to speed up or slow down

Key Teaching Points

Keep the ball close using gentle touches with inside of foot
Look up regularly to see space and avoid obstacles
Use small steps when dribbling for better control
Speed up in open space, slow down near defenders
Practice with both feet but develop confidence with dominant foot first
Understand that control is more important than speed
Apply fair play and gentle contact in all activities

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Kicking harder makes you better' - Correction: Emphasise gentle control over power
Misconception: 'Only use your strong foot' - Correction: Encourage trying both feet for better skills
Misconception: 'Defenders should try to hurt you' - Correction: Explain gentle tagging and fair play
Misconception: 'Fastest player always wins' - Correction: Show how control and planning beat speed
Misconception: 'It doesn't matter where the ball goes' - Correction: Demonstrate importance of ball placement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear visual boundaries, fidget tools available during discussion

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified instructions, extra practice time, physical guidance

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule, quiet corner available, consistent routines and language

visual impairment

Use bright yellow balls, verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated dribbling option, larger/softer balls, modified goals at wheelchair height

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding of forces when kicking, balance and coordination, effect of exercise on heart rate

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial awareness and mapping movement paths

PSHE

Taking turns, following rules, managing emotions when tagged, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corners or edges for maximum visibility, move during activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for ball control improvement, spatial awareness development, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when students lose control repeatedly, when safety is compromised, or when students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly first, exaggerate key points, use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches!'
•'Look up and find space!'
•'Keep it close like a friend!'
•'Gentle tags only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m, indoor hall or outdoor hard surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip if indoors

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated but not hard
•Cones with no sharp edges or points
•Bibs clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Collisions between students
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Tripping over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and explained
•Adequate spacing maintained throughout
•Gentle contact rules enforced
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students
•Move around during activities to monitor closely
•Watch defender areas for appropriate contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess student welfare, apply first aid if trained, seek additional help if needed