Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control
Foundation Feet Skills Through Progressive Team Play
•Year 2
•Ball Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we keep control of our ball whilst moving through space?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dribbling skills using feet to maintain ball control
- To understand the importance of moving into space whilst dribbling
- To apply ball control skills when avoiding defenders
Key Outcomes
- Students can dribble a ball with control using inside and outside of feet
- Students can identify and move into available space whilst dribbling
- Students understand the consequences of losing ball control near defenders
Equipment & Resources Required
Balls distributed around perimeter of playing area before lesson starts
Alternative: Size 2 footballs for smaller students, foam balls for beginners
Used to mark out 4-5 defender areas, approximately 3m x 3m each
Alternative: Chalk for marking areas on playground, spot markers, bibs
To identify defenders clearly in Space Invaders activities
Alternative: Different coloured cones, armbands, or hand signals
For timing activity rotations and assessment periods
Alternative: Smartphone timer, gymnasium clock
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball with your feet whilst maintaining control
Keeping the ball close and under your command
Empty areas away from defenders where you can move safely
Having and keeping control of the ball
The inner curved part of your foot used for accurate ball control
The outer edge of your foot used for quick changes of direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control from Year 1
- Understanding of the Ice Monsters game
- Simple dribbling with minimal pressure
Current Skills
- Dribbling with inside and outside of feet
- Moving into space whilst maintaining control
- Understanding consequences of ball possession
Next Steps
- Dribbling under increased pressure
- Combining dribbling with passing
- Game application in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball control means keeping the ball within touching distance whilst moving
- Use both inside and outside of feet for different situations and direction changes
- Space awareness is crucial - always look for empty areas to move into safely
- Control the speed of your movement to maintain ball control
- Possession is valuable - understand the consequences of losing the ball
- Fair play and honesty are essential in all games and activities
- Progress from static control to dynamic movement under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- Students think dribbling fast means better control - emphasise controlled speed
- Belief that only using dominant foot is sufficient - encourage both feet usage
- Misconception that space is just 'anywhere' - teach active identification of safe areas
- Thinking ball control is only about feet - include body positioning and balance
- Assuming possession doesn't matter in practice - connect to game consequences
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and refocusing
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified instructions, extra practice time, peer support partnerships
autism spectrum
- Clear visual boundaries, predictable routine, quiet zone available, advanced warning of role changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written/picture instructions on display
physical disability
- Seated dribbling version, modified equipment (larger/softer balls), adapted distances and areas
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting touches, measuring distances between defenders, calculating time in possession
Science
Forces needed to move ball, friction between ball and surface, balance and coordination
Geography
Directions and pathways, mapping routes around obstacles, spatial awareness concepts
PSHE
Honesty in games, fairness when swapping roles, concentration and self-belief development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for visibility, position near defender zones during Space Invaders to monitor safety
Observation Focus
Watch for ball control improvement, space awareness development, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in if defenders become physical, if students lose control dangerously, or if space becomes too crowded
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with ball at feet, exaggerate key points for visibility, use student demonstrations to reinforce learning
Verbal Cues
- •'Ball close!'
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Gentle touches!'
- •'Head up to see space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, preferably 25m x 20m for optimal spacing
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all footballs are properly inflated but not over-pressurised
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Over-excitement leading to physical contact
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students at all times
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •No physical tackling allowed - ball possession only
- •Regular reminders about controlled movement
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas during Space Invaders games
- •Watch for students becoming over-competitive
- •Ensure defenders follow no-contact rules
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed