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Lesson 6 - Dribbling and Ball Control

Ball Handling Basics

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we keep control of the ball while moving and protect it from opponents?

Learning Objectives

To develop ball control skills using feet with consistent technique
To learn how to trap and stop a moving ball effectively
To apply attacking and defending skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control using 'big toe, little toe' technique
Students will successfully trap balls using correct body positioning
Students will show understanding of protection and space in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Playground balls, foam balls for nervous students

Cones

22.5 mixed colours

Different colours for assessment activity at end

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk marks

Bibs

8-10

For warm-up defending activity

Alternative: Strips of fabric, bands

Markers

For NESW activity compass points

Alternative: Traffic cones, large spots

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward with your feet while keeping control

Big toe, little toe

Using the inside (big toe side) and outside (little toe side) of foot to control the ball

Trapping

Stopping the ball by placing your foot firmly on top of it

Control

Keeping the ball close to you and moving it where you want

Protecting

Keeping your body between the ball and other players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic familiarity with footballs and kicking
Understanding of personal space and following simple rules
Ability to walk and jog with some coordination

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling using inside and outside of feet
Ball trapping technique with correct foot placement
Basic attacking and defending awareness

Next Steps

Dribbling at different speeds and in different directions
Passing accurately to teammates
More complex game situations with tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Ball stays within arm's reach while dribbling

Can stop ball on first attempt when called

Shows awareness of other players when moving with ball

Key Teaching Points

Big toe, little toe technique is fundamental for ball control development
Ball trapping requires firm foot placement on top of ball
Body positioning is crucial for ball protection in games
Control must be established before increasing speed
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and improves game play
Self-assessment builds metacognitive skills and ownership of learning
Gentle play rules ensure safety while maintaining competitiveness

Common Misconceptions

Only using dominant foot - encourage alternating feet for balanced development
Looking down constantly while dribbling - teach importance of looking up for awareness
Thinking speed is more important than control - emphasise technique before pace
Ball trapping means kicking hard - show gentle stopping with foot placement
Attacking means being rough - teach about skilful rather than physical approaches
Self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest reflection for growth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Slower pace for skill development, larger equipment for easier handling, simplified instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual activity schedule, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated ball control activities, modified equipment, peer assistance as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting toe taps to ten, measuring distances to cones, understanding compass directions (NESW)

Science

Forces when kicking balls, friction between ball and ground, body balance and movement

Geography

Compass points (North, East, South, West) in NESW activity, spatial awareness and mapping

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for full view, position near most challenging activities

Observation Focus

Ball control technique, spatial awareness, cooperation, and competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique support during struggles

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique, exaggerate key positions, involve students who demonstrate well

Verbal Cues

•'Big toe, little toe!'
•'Keep it close!'
•'Look up and around!'
•'Gentle touches only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area with defined boundaries for court games

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from debris, water patches, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs inflated to appropriate pressure for age group
•Cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Bibs securely tucked but easily removable
•Goals/equipment stored safely away from activity area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball collisions during dribbling activities
•Student collisions in competitive games
•Trips and falls during running with balls
•Overexertion in competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
•Regular reminders about awareness of others
•Immediate intervention for any rough play
•Gentle play rules strictly enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Close monitoring during competitive games for safety
•Regular scanning for fatigue or overexertion
•Immediate response to any safety concerns

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, contact school office for serious injuries