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Lesson 4 - Consolidating Dribbling Skills

Foundation Feet Skills and Ball Control for Young Learners

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Year 1

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we keep control of our ball while moving safely away from defenders?

Learning Objectives

Consolidate understanding of where to dribble and why we need to find space
Develop dribbling technique keeping the ball away from opponents
Understand the consequences of not moving into space while dribbling

Key Outcomes

Students can dribble their ball with increasing control using both feet
Students understand why moving into space is important for keeping possession
Students can adjust speed and direction to avoid defenders while maintaining ball control

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Balls distributed around area perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Large playground balls, tennis balls for easier control

Cones

20-30

Mark boundaries and create gates for extension activities

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Coloured Bibs

8-10

For identifying ice monsters clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet

Control

Keeping the ball close to you so it doesn't roll away

Space

An empty area where there are no other people or obstacles

Ice Monsters

Pretend characters who try to tag you and freeze you in the game

Defenders

Players trying to take the ball away from you

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity and simple kicking actions
Understanding of personal space and moving safely
Simple following and copying movements

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with increasing accuracy
Spatial awareness while moving with a ball
Understanding of basic game concepts like avoiding defenders

Next Steps

Dribbling under pressure from multiple defenders
Passing to teammates when space is limited
Simple attacking and defending tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent close ball control while moving

Quick decision-making when space becomes limited

Understanding of when to dribble vs when to pass

Key Teaching Points

Ball control means keeping the ball close enough to touch with your next step
Looking up while dribbling helps you see space and avoid collisions
Using different parts of your foot gives you more control and options
Moving into space makes it harder for defenders to take your ball
Good teammates communicate and help each other succeed
Practice makes permanent - focus on quality touches over speed
Decision-making improves with experience in game-like situations

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Harder kicks make you faster' - Correction: Small, controlled touches maintain speed with control
Misconception: 'Only use your strong foot' - Correction: Both feet make you unpredictable and more skilled
Misconception: 'Always look at the ball' - Correction: Quick glances at ball, most time looking ahead
Misconception: 'Space means empty area only' - Correction: Space can be created by moving away from crowded areas
Misconception: 'Ice monsters are the enemy' - Correction: Everyone has different roles that help learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier control, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step breakdowns, celebrate small improvements

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule if helpful, allow break-out space if overwhelmed, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layout, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for stop/start, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure student can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Allow use of hands if needed, provide larger/lighter balls, modify tagging rules for wheelchair users, adjust area size

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting toe taps and ice monster scores, understanding distance and space concepts, timing activities with seconds and minutes

Science

Understanding forces when kicking balls, friction between ball and ground, body movement and balance concepts

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation around area, understanding of directions and pathways, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, following rules and fairness, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of area for optimal view, step into space to support struggling students

Observation Focus

Watch for ball control, spatial awareness, and safety during all activities

Intervention Points

["Step in if ice monsters become too physical", "Support students who consistently lose ball control", "Redirect students who are not following safety rules"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for visibility, use positive examples from students when possible, show common mistakes to help students recognise and avoid them

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches!' for better ball control
•'Find space!' when students get too crowded
•'Head up!' to encourage scanning
•'Gentle tagging!' to maintain safety

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 20m clear area, preferably larger for advanced groups

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for ball rolling

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All balls properly inflated and checked for damage
•Cones have no sharp edges and are visible
•Bibs clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students while dribbling
•Tripping over loose balls
•Ice monsters being too physical when tagging
•Students becoming overexcited during games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate space for all students
•Emphasis on controlled movements and looking up
•Strict rule about gentle tagging only
•Regular calm-down reminders during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students
•Move around area to monitor ice monster behaviour
•Watch for students struggling with ball control

Emergency Procedures

Standard first aid protocols, stop activity immediately if injury occurs, ice packs available for minor knocks