Lesson 3 - Dribbling and Moving Towards Goal
Ball Control & Team Tactics
•Year 2
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I use my hands to control the ball and move towards my target?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dribbling a ball with hands using fingertips and soft touch
- To move towards a goal with the ball whilst maintaining control
- To understand how to move into space away from defenders
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved hand-ball coordination through dribbling
- Students will show tactical awareness by moving into space
- Students will apply dribbling skills in game-like situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Bean bags for students with coordination difficulties
Used for boundaries and goals throughout lesson
Alternative: Markers, hoops, or bean bags
Different colours for taggers and team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs or markers
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand whilst moving
The tips of your fingers used to control the ball
Bouncing the ball level with your middle
Areas where there are no other players
Having control of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can catch and throw a ball with two hands
- Students understand basic movement patterns
- Students can follow simple rules in games
Current Skills
- Ball control using fingertips
- One-handed dribbling technique
- Moving into space with the ball
Next Steps
- Dribbling whilst changing direction
- Passing to teammates after dribbling
- Using dribbling in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Fingertip control is essential for good ball handling
- Waist height provides optimal control and vision
- Moving into space away from defenders improves possession
- Fair play and turn-taking develop social skills
- Progressive skill building from static to mobile
Common Misconceptions
- Using whole palm instead of fingertips reduces control
- Dribbling too high makes ball harder to control
- Looking down constantly reduces spatial awareness
- Moving too fast before mastering basic control
- Forgetting to celebrate effort over outcome
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundary markers, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified instructions, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine cards, quiet space available, consistent structure and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated dribbling variations, larger balls for easier handling, modified distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, describing techniques, using new vocabulary in context
Science
Understanding forces when pushing ball down, gravity bringing ball back up, friction on different surfaces
PSHE
Taking turns fairly, encouraging others, dealing with challenges positively, teamwork skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around area perimeter for visibility, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique, safe play, and inclusive participation
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, technique corrections, or fair play reminders
Demonstration Notes
Exaggerate key teaching points, use students as positive examples, show common mistakes to avoid
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingertips down, ball to waist!'
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Gentle touches only!'
- •'Well done, keep trying!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, indoor hall or outdoor hard surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Cones checked for damage and sharp edges
- •Equipment stored safely when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions between students
- •Slips on playing surface
- •Overexertion during activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing guidelines established
- •Controlled throwing and catching heights
- •Gentle contact rules in tag games
- •Regular water breaks and activity rotation
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during activities
- •Monitor energy levels and signs of fatigue
- •Watch for fair play and safe interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal understood, first aid accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained