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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control

Foundation Feet Skills Through Progressive Team Play

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Year 2

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Size 3 Footballs

1 per student (30 balls)

Balls distributed around perimeter of playing area before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 2 footballs for smaller students, foam balls for beginners

Coloured Cones

20-25 cones

Used to mark out 4-5 defender areas, approximately 3m x 3m each

Alternative: Chalk for marking areas on playground, spot markers, bibs

Coloured Bibs

5.5 bibs

To identify defenders clearly in Space Invaders activities

Alternative: Different coloured cones, armbands, or hand signals

Stopwatch

For timing activity rotations and assessment periods

Alternative: Smartphone timer, gymnasium clock

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with your feet whilst maintaining control

Control

Keeping the ball close and under your command

Space

Empty areas away from defenders where you can move safely

Possession

Having and keeping control of the ball

Inside of foot

The inner curved part of your foot used for accurate ball control

Outside of foot

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

Ball stays within touching distance whilst moving

Can change direction smoothly whilst dribbling

Demonstrates awareness of space around defenders

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