Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Possession
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 we keep control of the ball while moving towards our goal?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dribbling skills with hands and feet towards a goal
- To understand what being 'in possession' means in invasion games
- To apply basic attacking and defending concepts in simple game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved ball control while dribbling
- Students will explain the difference between attacking and defending
- Students will show good sportsmanship during competitive activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Football, tennis balls, bean bags for adapted versions
Use for boundaries and 1v1 goals
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops
For identifying defenders and teams
Alternative: Bands, coloured cards
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball using small touches while maintaining control
When your team has control of the ball
A player whose team has possession of the ball
A player whose team does not have possession of the ball
A game where two teams try to score in each other's goals
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball familiarisation from reception
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
- Simple cooperation skills
Current Skills
- Dribbling with different parts of the foot
- Understanding possession in games
- Basic 1v1 attacking and defending
Next Steps
- Passing and receiving skills
- Team tactics and positioning
- Small-sided invasion games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use soft touches to maintain ball control while dribbling
- Keep your head up to look for space and avoid others
- Possession means your team has control of the ball
- When your team has possession, you are attacking
- Defenders try to win the ball back for their team
- Good sportsmanship makes games enjoyable for everyone
- Different parts of the foot can be used for ball control
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking dribbling means hitting the ball hard - correct with 'soft touches keep the ball close'
- Confusing possession with position - clarify 'possession is having the ball, not where you stand'
- Believing only one foot part works for dribbling - demonstrate multiple surfaces
- Thinking defenders can use hands - emphasise 'feet only for winning the ball'
- Assuming faster is always better - explain 'control is more important than speed'
- Not understanding role changes in games - practice switching between attacking and defending
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce activity complexity, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines and language
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, employ hand signals for key instructions, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Offer seated ball control exercises, use larger lighter balls, adapt distances for individual needs
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting scores, measuring 8-metre distances for 1v1 goals, timing activities and comparing durations
Science
Understanding forces when pushing the ball, learning about balance and stability, discussing how muscles work during exercise
Geography
Using directional language (forwards, backwards, left, right), understanding spatial concepts and area boundaries
PSHE
Developing teamwork skills, showing respect for others, managing emotions during competitive activities, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of area for optimal view of all students, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for ball control improvement, understanding of possession concept, positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic ball control, clarify possession concept if confusion apparent, address any unsporting behaviour immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft touches!' for ball control
- •'Head up!' for spatial awareness
- •'Your team has possession!' to reinforce concept
- •'Well done!' for effort and improvement
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor playground area
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and not over-inflated
- •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 activities
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students during activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular reminders about controlled movements and looking up
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during defending games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Established stop signal (whistle blast), clear evacuation route identified, first aid kit accessible