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Lesson 2 - Dribbling Under Pressure

Foundational Skills & Challenges

•

Year 3

•

Football

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or bibs

Bibs

4-6

For distinguishing defenders in small games

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet

Ball Control

Keeping the ball close to your feet so you can move with it easily

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Pressure

When defenders are close to you trying to win the ball

Soft Touches

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

Can maintain ball control while changing direction

Shows awareness of defenders when dribbling

Makes appropriate passing decisions under pressure

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