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Lesson 6 - Cushioning and Team Communication

Foundations of Ball Mastery and Team Play

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Year 3

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to control the ball and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Use short passes and cushioning techniques to build an attack effectively
Determine when to run into space to receive the ball from teammates
Suggest constructive ways to improve team skills and gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled cushioning technique when receiving passes
Students will show tactical awareness by moving into space to support teammates
Students will communicate effectively to help teammates improve their performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, tennis balls for initial practice

Coloured Bibs

10 in each colour (2 sets)

Ready for quick team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, pinnies

Cones

20-30 cones

For marking pitch boundaries and scoring areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers

Markers

4 sets of markers

1m wide scoring areas at each end of pitches

Alternative: Cones, small goals, or painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Cushioning

Drawing the foot back slightly when receiving the ball to absorb its pace and maintain control

First touch

The initial contact with the ball when receiving a pass

Space

Areas on the pitch with no opposition players where you can receive the ball safely

Support

Moving to help a teammate by providing a passing option

Communication

Talking to teammates to help coordinate team play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control using inside of foot
Simple passing over short distances
Understanding of space and movement

Current Skills

Cushioning technique to control incoming passes
Communication skills for team coordination
Tactical awareness of when to move into space

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations
Defensive positioning and pressure
Game management and leadership skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent first touch control

Proactive movement to create passing options

Clear, helpful communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Cushioning requires soft first touch with foot drawing back to absorb ball's pace
Communication must be clear, early and supportive to help teammates succeed
Movement into space should be purposeful and visible to the player with the ball
Ball control is more important than speed - focus on quality first touch
Teamwork improves when players support each other with positive communication
Eyes must stay on ball throughout receiving process for consistent technique
Good cushioning allows immediate transition to next action - pass, dribble or shoot

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Cushioning means stopping the ball completely' - Correction: Cushioning controls pace but ball should stay close for next action
Misconception: 'Only call for ball when completely free' - Correction: Communication helps create opportunities even under pressure
Misconception: 'Hard first touch shows power and control' - Correction: Soft touch demonstrates technical skill and maintains possession
Misconception: 'Standing still makes you a better target for passes' - Correction: Movement into space creates better passing angles
Misconception: 'Only worry about your own performance in games' - Correction: Supporting teammates makes the whole team stronger

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, prominent visual markers for boundaries, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger footballs for easier control, slower initial practice speeds, extra demonstration time, peer support for spatial organisation

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured footballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated cushioning practice using hands, modified game area size, ball can be rolled instead of kicked, adapted scoring zones

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills development, vocabulary expansion with football terminology, listening skills during instructions

Maths

Measuring distances for passing, calculating scores and points in competitive format, understanding angles of passes and movement

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, friction between foot and ball, impact absorption in cushioning technique

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, constructive feedback and peer support, resilience when skills don't work perfectly

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner of game area during matches for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for cushioning technique, communication quality, movement into space, and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is consistently poor, communication breaks down, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for cushioning technique, demonstrate both successful and unsuccessful examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touch, draw that foot back!'
•'Call for the ball - let your teammates know you're there!'
•'Eyes on the ball until it reaches your foot!'
•'Move into space where your teammate can see you!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple small-sided games, clear run-off areas

Surface Check

Level grass or artificial surface, free from holes, stones or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Size 3 footballs appropriate for Year 3 students
•Cones with rounded edges, securely placed
•Bibs in good condition without tears or loose parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear no-contact rule established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between game areas
•Regular water breaks if needed
•Progressive skill building before full games
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all game areas simultaneously
•Move between groups to provide close supervision
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed