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Lesson 4 - Passing and Moving

Foundational Skills & Challenges

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Year 3

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep the ball and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing accuracy and movement into space
To understand the roles of attacker and defender
To improve teamwork and communication during gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing control and spatial awareness
Students will show understanding of attacking and defending roles
Students will work cooperatively to maintain possession and create chances

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking goals and boundaries

Alternative: Marker spots, small obstacles

Softballs

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, slightly deflated for easier control

Ropes

For creating moving goals at waist height

Alternative: Ribbon, rope, or tape

Team bibs

10 (2 sets of 5)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, pinnies, or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Passing

Sending the ball to a teammate using your feet

Moving into space

Running to an empty area where you can receive the ball safely

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Attacker

A player whose team has the ball and is trying to score

Defender

A player whose team doesn't have the ball and is trying to win it back

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Simple passing over short distances
Understanding of games with goals

Current Skills

Passing with increasing accuracy
Moving into space to receive passes
Recognising attacking and defending moments

Next Steps

Longer range passing
Complex movement patterns
Advanced tactical understanding

Milestone Indicators

Consistently successful short passes

Quick decision-making about when to move

Effective communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Use inside of foot for accurate passing - demonstrate proper technique repeatedly
Move immediately after passing - reinforce this concept throughout the lesson
Look up before passing to see your target - emphasise awareness
Control the ball with your first touch before passing - stress importance of good receiving
Communicate with teammates - encourage talking during activities
Celebrate good play and fair behaviour - build positive learning environment
Work together as a team - emphasise cooperation over individual success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you should stay in the same position after passing - correct by showing movement creates new opportunities
Believing only fast, hard passes are good - teach that accurate, controlled passes are more effective
Assuming defenders should always rush toward the ball - explain positioning and patience in defending
Thinking individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise how team play leads to success
Believing you must always be moving - teach when to be stationary and when to move

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, offer wall/partner support for balance

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual timetables, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of space and movement, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face during explanations

physical disability

Adapt passing to seated position, use larger/lighter balls, modify distances and goals to suit mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes, measuring distances between goals, calculating scores and time intervals

Science

Understanding forces in passing, effects of exercise on the body, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and movement, understanding of positioning and orientation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honesty and fair play, managing emotions during competition, inclusion of others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between groups during activities, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for passing technique, movement patterns, teamwork, and fair play behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with concepts, unsafe play occurs, or conflicts arise between teammates

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good examples, emphasise key technique points with clear visual cues

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Look up before you pass!'
•'Well done for moving to space!'
•'Great teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full class, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Flat, dry grass or artificial surface, free from debris or holes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify skipping ropes are in good condition with secure handles

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement
•Trips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during intensive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and personal space awareness
•Emphasise controlled movement and safe passing
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activities
•Move around groups during games to monitor behaviour
•Watch for students showing signs of distress or fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified