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Lesson 1 - Ball Control and Dribbling

Foundational Skills & Challenges

•

Year 3

•

Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we keep control of the ball while moving like a footballer?

Learning Objectives

To develop control whilst dribbling the ball using different parts of the foot
To understand the concept of possession and keeping control under pressure
To move confidently with the ball whilst avoiding other players

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control using soft touches
Students will show understanding of keeping possession in small games
Students will identify key techniques for effective dribbling

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Scattered around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, foam balls for beginners

Coloured Cones

4 (green, yellow, red, blue)

One cone placed in each corner of teaching area

Alternative: Coloured bibs, markers, or laminated cards

Cones

8-12

To mark boundaries for Pirates game (15m x 15m area)

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with your feet while maintaining control

Possession

Having control of the ball so others cannot take it

Soft touches

Gentle contacts with the ball to keep it close and under control

Ball familiarisation

Getting comfortable with how the ball feels and moves with your feet

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and moving in different directions
Following simple instructions and stopping on command
Understanding of personal space and moving safely

Current Skills

Ball familiarisation using different foot parts
Basic dribbling with soft touches
Keeping possession under light pressure

Next Steps

Dribbling with changes of direction
Dribbling past static defenders
Combining dribbling with passing

Milestone Indicators

Student can maintain ball contact while moving

Student demonstrates awareness of space and others

Student shows understanding of possession concept

Key Teaching Points

Soft touches are essential for ball control - emphasise gentle contact throughout
Head up awareness prevents collisions and develops game understanding
Bent knees and balanced posture provide stability during dribbling
Possession concept is crucial - foot on ball means safety and control
Fair play and respect create enjoyable learning environment for all
Progressive skill building from static to moving maintains confidence
Different foot parts offer various control options - experiment and discover

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Harder touches make the ball go where I want' - Correction: Soft touches give better control and keep ball close
Misconception: 'I need to look at the ball all the time' - Correction: Quick glances up help avoid others and see space
Misconception: 'Fast dribbling is always better' - Correction: Controlled dribbling with good technique is more effective
Misconception: 'Only toes should touch the ball' - Correction: Inside, outside, laces and sole all provide different control options
Misconception: 'Pirates can take any ball they want' - Correction: Fair play rules protect possession and ensure everyone enjoys the game

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues, celebrate small successes frequently

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, break down movements into smaller steps, use bigger balls for easier control, provide patient encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual timetables for lesson sections, allow quiet spaces for overstimulation, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt to seated ball work where appropriate, use larger/lighter balls for easier manipulation, modify distances and speeds as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movements, explaining techniques to others, listening skills during demonstrations

Maths

Counting during toe taps and penguin taps, timing activities (20 seconds), spatial awareness with shapes and areas, measuring distances for game boundaries

Science

Forces when pushing ball with different foot parts, friction between ball and surface, balance and centre of gravity during dribbling

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation during games, resilience when losing possession, respect for rules and fair play, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally during demonstrations, move to perimeter during practice for individual feedback, maintain clear sight lines to all students

Observation Focus

Monitor ball control technique, spatial awareness, fair play behaviour, signs of fatigue or frustration

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe behaviour, provide individual support for struggling students, mediate disputes fairly

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate at student eye level, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, maintain enthusiasm throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches like stroking a cat!'
•'Find the space - look up!'
•'Ball close, knees bent!'
•'Fair play - respect the rules!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m rectangular area, clear of obstacles and hazards, with additional 2m boundary clearance

Surface Check

Flat, even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify all equipment is age-appropriate size and weight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls due to rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes to head or body during close proximity work
•Trips over balls left in movement areas

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement rules from start
•Maintain adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Emphasise controlled movement over speed throughout
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness and looking up
•Clear ball management rules - balls stay with students or in designated areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally for maximum visibility during large group activities
•Move around area perimeter during individual practice for close observation
•Stand outside game area during pirates to monitor fair play and safety
•Ensure clear sight lines to all students at all times

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop command for dangerous situations, first aid qualified staff available, clear evacuation route maintained, incident reporting procedures followed