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Lesson 1 - Ball Control and Team Recognition

Team Challenges & Skills

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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 towards our goal?

Learning Objectives

To develop dribbling skills with hands and feet using controlled touches
To understand the concept of being 'in possession' of the ball
To recognise team members and understand basic team structure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate basic ball control using different parts of their feet
Students will explain what possession means in invasion games
Students will show awareness of teammates and opponents during activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

8 minimum (30 ideal for extensions)

Used for boundaries, goals, and skill stations

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, foam balls for indoor use

Coloured Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Half the class wear bibs to distinguish teams

Alternative: Different coloured cones to hold, coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using your feet while keeping control

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Attacker

A player whose team has the ball and is trying to score

Defender

A player trying to stop the other team from scoring

Invasion Games

Games where teams try to get into the other team's area to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement skills like walking and running
Understanding of personal space
Experience with ball handling activities

Current Skills

Controlled ball touches with feet
Understanding of possession concept
Basic team recognition

Next Steps

Passing to teammates
Basic defending techniques
Simple team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain ball control while walking

Recognises when team has possession

Shows awareness of space when moving

Key Teaching Points

Soft touches keep the ball close and under control
Look up regularly to see space and avoid others
Possession means your team has control of the ball
When you have possession, you are attacking
Different parts of foot give different types of control
Good sportsmanship makes games fun for everyone
Defenders try to win the ball back using feet only

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking dribbling means bouncing the ball like basketball - correct by emphasising foot control along ground
Believing possession only applies when holding the ball - explain it's about team control, not individual
Thinking they need to kick hard to move the ball - demonstrate soft touches are more effective
Assuming they can use hands to defend - reinforce feet-only rule for ball control
Not understanding team concepts - use bibs or clear team identification to reinforce

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries emphasised, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, use wall or fence for additional support

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent language and cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for movement, audio cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure student can see teacher's face

physical disability

Seated dribbling activities, use larger softer balls, adapt cone distances, allow use of hands if needed for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, new vocabulary development, describing movements and techniques

Maths

Counting touches, measuring distances for cone placement, timing activities, simple scoring systems

Science

Forces when kicking balls, friction between ball and surface, balance and coordination

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, following rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at edge of activity area for full class visibility, move between groups during pair work

Observation Focus

Ball control technique - soft touches, close control; Spatial awareness during movement; Understanding of possession concept; Positive behaviour and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

["Step in if students show rough contact", "Correct ball control technique immediately", "Reinforce possession concept if confusion observed", "Address any negative behaviour towards others"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for ball control techniques, clearly show different parts of foot, model positive sporting behaviour consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches!'
•'Head up, look around!'
•'Keep it close!'
•'Well done to your partner!'
•'Remember possession means having control!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, preferably playground or sports hall

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, stones, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify equipment numbers match class size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexcitement leading to rough play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Emphasis on controlled movement throughout
•Heads up awareness consistently reinforced
•Gentle contact only in defending activities
•Immediate stops when unsafe behaviour observed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around area to monitor different groups
•Pay particular attention during competitive activities
•Watch for fatigue or overexcitement

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required