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Big Question

How can we use our feet to pass and receive accurately to keep possession of the ball?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop passing and receiving using our feet in order to keep possession of the ball
  • To understand why accuracy is important when passing
  • To demonstrate correct technique for passing with the inside of the foot

Key Outcomes

  • Students will pass the ball accurately using the inside of their foot
  • Students will receive the ball with control and cushion it
  • Students will understand the consequences of inaccurate passing in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per 2 students (15 for class of 30)

Pre-positioned around area perimeter for quick distribution

Alternative: Large foam balls, tennis balls

Cones
40-50 cones

Various colours preferred for different activities

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk marks

Sun Markers
15-20 markers

Used as 'mud monsters' (defenders) in final activities

Alternative: Spots, hoops laid flat

Key Vocabulary

Pass

Kicking the ball to a teammate using the inside of the foot

Receive

Controlling the ball when it comes to you, using your foot to cushion it

Inside of foot

The flat part of your foot between your big toe and heel

Non-kicking foot

The foot you place beside the ball to help you aim

Cushion

Softly controlling the ball when receiving it

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball familiarisation from Nursery and Reception
  • Simple ball control activities
  • Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

  • Passing with the inside of the foot
  • Receiving and cushioning the ball
  • Basic tactical understanding of keeping possession

Next Steps

  • Passing over longer distances
  • Passing while under pressure
  • Introduction to shooting techniques

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent use of inside of foot for passing
2
Ability to receive ball without using hands
3
Understanding of when and where to pass

Key Teaching Points

  • Non-kicking foot placement beside ball is crucial for accuracy
  • Use inside of foot for controlled, accurate passes
  • Cushion the ball when receiving - soft first touch
  • Look at target before passing
  • Communication with partner is essential
  • Accurate passing helps keep possession away from defenders
  • Ready position on toes helps with quick reactions

Common Misconceptions

  • Using toe instead of inside of foot - demonstrate correct surface area
  • Kicking too hard - emphasise control over power
  • Non-kicking foot too far from ball - show correct placement
  • Not looking at target - teach students to pick head up before passing
  • Using hands to receive ball - reinforce feet-only rule consistently

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, regular position changes
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, simplified sequences, extra practice time for technique
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual routine cards, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Seated passing variations, larger balls, modified distances, walking pace only

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances between gates, angles of passes

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, understanding of pathways around obstacles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when stuck, helping others in difficulty

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot placement, ball control, and spatial awareness

Intervention Points

["Step in if technique is unsafe or incorrect", "Provide individual support for struggling students", "Ensure fair play during games"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as examples when they show good technique

Verbal Cues
  • 'Non-kicking foot beside the ball!'
  • 'Inside of foot for accuracy!'
  • 'Look at your target before you pass!'
  • 'Cushion the ball when receiving!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, preferably sports hall or playground

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Markers must be flat to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during movement phases
  • Slips when changing direction quickly
  • Ball strikes from inaccurate passes
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and explained
  • Adequate spacing between gates/activities
  • Controlled pace during warm-up and skill phases
  • Safe tagging technique taught for defender games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility during movement activities
  • Monitor closely during defender phases
  • Check technique to prevent overexertion
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed