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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control

Building Teamwork Through Ball Control and Possession

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Year 2

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we keep possession of the ball whilst moving around the space?

Learning Objectives

Develop dribbling technique to maintain possession and control
Understand the importance of moving into space whilst dribbling
Apply dribbling skills in cooperative team challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will dribble a ball with increasing control using one or two hands
Students will demonstrate understanding of space and possession concepts
Students will work cooperatively in team activities involving ball control

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Check all balls are properly inflated before lesson begins

Alternative: Large bouncy balls, playground balls

Cones

25-30

Space markers evenly around playing area

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops as markers

Bibs

6 different colours

One colour per group for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with control using fingertips

Possession

Keeping control and ownership of the ball

Space

An empty area away from other players

Control

Managing the ball so it stays where you want it

Defenders

Players or obstacles trying to take the ball away

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from Year 1
Understanding of personal space
Simple throwing and catching

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with one and two hands
Moving into space whilst maintaining ball control
Understanding consequences of losing possession

Next Steps

Dribbling under pressure from opponents
Advanced ball control techniques
Team tactics involving ball possession

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control whilst stationary

Smooth transition from stationary to moving dribble

Awareness of space and other players whilst moving

Key Teaching Points

Use fingertips not palms when dribbling - 'fingertip control'
Keep head up to see space and other players - 'eyes up, space awareness'
Controlled bouncing is better than fast bouncing - 'control beats speed'
Find empty spaces away from other players - 'space finding'
Work as a team and help each other succeed - 'teamwork makes the dream work'
Keep the ball close to your body when dribbling - 'close control'
Bend your knees and stay balanced - 'athletic position ready'

Common Misconceptions

MISCONCEPTION: 'Faster dribbling means better skill' - CORRECTION: 'Control and technique are more important than speed'
MISCONCEPTION: 'I should use my palms to control the ball' - CORRECTION: 'Fingertips give much better control and feel'
MISCONCEPTION: 'I don't need to look up while dribbling' - CORRECTION: 'Looking up helps you see space and avoid collisions'
MISCONCEPTION: 'It doesn't matter where I move in the space' - CORRECTION: 'Finding empty space helps keep possession and avoid problems'
MISCONCEPTION: 'I should dribble the same way all the time' - CORRECTION: 'Good players adapt their dribbling to different situations'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger softer balls, simplified instructions, extra practice time, focus on effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of space and positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Seated dribbling versions, larger lighter balls, modified distances and zones, peer support

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bounces and deliveries, understanding spatial concepts, measuring distances between markers

Science

Forces and motion when bouncing balls, gravity effects on ball control, hand-eye coordination development

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, understanding relative positions, mapping movement around zones

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, communication with peers, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of zones to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for controlled dribbling technique, spatial awareness, cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when students lose control repeatedly, when safety is compromised, or when teamwork breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements. Show incorrect technique first, then correct technique. Involve confident students in demonstrations.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips, not palms!'
•'Head up, eyes looking around!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Soft bounces, stay in control!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and suitable size for Year 2
•Ensure cones/markers have no sharp edges or damage
•Confirm adequate number of balls for whole class participation

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students whilst dribbling
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion leading to fatigue

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each zone
•Adequate spacing between students maintained
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
•Regular checks on student fatigue levels
•Clear stop signal established and practised

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all zones
•Monitor high-activity areas for collisions
•Watch for students who may be struggling or becoming frustrated
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal, assess any incidents, apply first aid if required, have emergency contacts available