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Lesson 5 - Ball Retention and Possession

Tactical Skill Development

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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53 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per pair (15)

Distribute around activity areas

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls

Cones

Mark out squares and boundaries for activities

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (various colours)

For team identification and tail games

Alternative: Bands, different coloured tops

Stopwatch

For timing rotations and activities

Alternative: Phone timer, playground clock

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball and keeping it away from the opposing team

Shielding

Using your body as a barrier between the ball and the defender

Dummy pass

Pretending to pass in one direction but passing in another to deceive the defender

Intercept

When a defender takes the ball away from the attacking team

Support

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

Maintains possession for 10+ seconds

Successfully shields ball from passive defender

Completes 3+ consecutive passes in game situation

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