Lesson 5 - Ball Retention and Possession
Tactical Skill Development
•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 keep control of the ball when opponents are trying to take it from me?
Learning Objectives
- To pass the ball consistently with control under pressure
- To retain possession of the ball using shielding techniques
- To understand basic deception skills including dummy passes
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled passing in game situations
- Students will use their body to shield the ball from opponents
- Students will show improved decision-making when in possession
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around activity areas
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls
Mark out squares and boundaries for activities
Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines
For team identification and tail games
Alternative: Bands, different coloured tops
For timing rotations and activities
Alternative: Phone timer, playground clock
Key Vocabulary
Having control of the ball and keeping it away from the opposing team
Using your body as a barrier between the ball and the defender
Pretending to pass in one direction but passing in another to deceive the defender
When a defender takes the ball away from the attacking team
Moving to help a teammate who has the ball by offering a passing option
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and dribbling skills
- Simple passing techniques
- Understanding of personal space
Current Skills
- Controlled passing under pressure
- Ball shielding techniques
- Basic deception skills
Next Steps
- Advanced possession games
- Small-sided game tactics
- Creating space and movement off the ball
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Body positioning is crucial for effective shielding - side-on stance with ball protected
- Keep one eye on the ball and one on the opponent for better awareness
- Quick, accurate passing under pressure requires decision-making practice
- Deception techniques like dummy passes need exaggerated movements to be effective
- Support play by moving to create passing options for teammates
- Maintain possession through a combination of shielding, passing, and movement
- Progressive defending from passive to active helps build confidence
Common Misconceptions
- Standing square-on to defender instead of side-on shielding position
- Only focusing on the ball and not watching the opponent's movements
- Thinking that keeping possession means never passing the ball
- Believing that bigger, stronger players always win possession battles
- Assuming that dummy passes need to be subtle rather than exaggerated for young players
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier control, slower pace initially, extra practice time, simple step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards
physical disability
- Seated ball control activities, adapted equipment, modified distances and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes in games, timing activities, measuring distances between cones
Science
Forces when pushing and pulling, balance and stability during shielding
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around playing areas
PSHE
Managing emotions under pressure, cooperation and teamwork, resilience when losing possession
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activities for maximum visibility, position to see all groups during skill development
Observation Focus
Watch for correct body positioning during shielding, appropriate defensive pressure, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in if defending becomes too physical, if children aren't grasping shielding concept, or if games become too competitive
Demonstration Notes
Use confident children to demonstrate good shielding technique, show exaggerated body movements for clarity, demonstrate both good and improved examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Body between ball and defender!'
- •'Quick pass to your teammate!'
- •'Look with your eyes one way, pass another!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large playground or sports hall, minimum 30m x 20m for multiple activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, good grip for quick changes of direction
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Check bibs and tags are secure but easily removable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during possession games
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Contact during defensive play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear no-contact rule established and enforced
- •Adequate spacing between activity areas
- •Progressive skill building from passive to active defending
- •Clear boundaries for all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during skill practice
- •Move between activities to monitor intensity
- •Watch for appropriate defensive pressure
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact support if needed