Lesson 2 - Dribbling Under Pressure
Foundational Skills & Challenges
•Year 3
•Football
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How can we keep control of the ball when defenders are trying to stop us?
Learning Objectives
- To develop controlling the ball with all parts of the foot
- To improve dribbling skills under defensive pressure
- To understand when to pass versus when to dribble
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved ball control using different parts of their feet
- Students will show the ability to dribble effectively when under pressure from defenders
- Students will make appropriate decisions about when to dribble and when to pass
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control, tennis balls for beginners
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bibs
For distinguishing defenders in small games
Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet
Keeping the ball close to your feet so you can move with it easily
When your team has control of the ball
When defenders are close to you trying to win the ball
Gentle contact with the ball that keeps it under control
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control with stationary ball
- Simple dribbling in straight lines
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Dribbling with all parts of the foot
- Ball control under pressure
- Decision making: when to dribble vs pass
Next Steps
- 1v1 attacking and defending skills
- Small-sided games with tactical awareness
- Advanced dribbling techniques and turns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use all parts of your feet to control the ball - inside, outside, sole
- Keep your head up to see defenders and space around you
- Use soft touches when defenders are close, push ahead when space is available
- Bend your knees and stay balanced to change direction quickly
- Protect the ball by keeping your body between the ball and defender
- Communicate with teammates and make quick decisions
- Practice makes perfect - every touch helps improve your control
Common Misconceptions
- Only using dominant foot - encourage use of both feet equally
- Looking down at ball constantly - practice lifting head to scan area
- Thinking faster is always better - emphasise control over speed
- Believing dribbling is always the best option - teach when to pass
- Fear of losing the ball leading to overcautious play - encourage positive risk-taking
- Thinking technique doesn't matter in games - reinforce quality over quantity
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundary markers, offer specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of multi-step activities, provide extra practice time, focus on one technique element at a time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, allow for sensory breaks, maintain consistent rules and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, assign buddy for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt to seated dribbling where appropriate, use larger/lighter balls, modify distances and area sizes, focus on technique over speed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring and estimating distances for dribbling, counting successful attempts, calculating scores and success rates
Science
Understanding forces and friction when controlling the ball, body systems response to exercise, momentum and acceleration
Geography
Spatial awareness and directional movement, understanding relative positions, mapping movement patterns around obstacles
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions under pressure, honesty and fair play, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the teaching area to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for technique improvement, decision-making under pressure, and positive cooperative behaviours
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs immediate correction, or conflict arises
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating technique. Show common mistakes as well as correct technique for comparison.
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft touches when defenders are close!'
- •'Push it ahead when you have space!'
- •'Head up to see your options!'
- •'Protect the ball with your body!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for main activities, additional space for multiple 10m x 8m game areas
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate number of balls to avoid sharing conflicts
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during dynamic activities
- •Falls when changing direction at speed
- •Ball strikes to students not involved in activity
- •Overexertion in competitive game situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
- •Progressive introduction of pressure and competition
- •Emphasis on safe, controlled defending
- •Regular hydration breaks
- •Clear stop signals established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during game play
- •Monitor defensive pressure in partner and small group activities
- •Watch for fatigue affecting decision-making and safety
- •Ensure fair play and rule following in self-managed games
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required