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Lesson 1 - Inside Foot Passing and Receiving

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 use accurate passing and smart positioning to keep possession of the ball as a team?

Learning Objectives

Pass and receive the ball using the inside of the foot with increasing accuracy and control
Work collaboratively to maintain possession through accurate passing and movement
Apply passing techniques in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate inside foot passing technique with ball striking middle of foot
Students will receive balls using inside foot to control and stop the ball effectively
Students will work as a team to maintain possession using passing combinations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around playing area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

22 cones

For boundaries, gates, and target areas

Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags, plastic bottles

Mixed Objects

4-6 targets

Placed in marked target area for main activity

Alternative: Traffic cones, skittles, foam blocks, boxes

Bibs

6-8 different colours

For team identification in main game

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Inside foot pass

Striking the ball with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy

Receive

Controlling the ball when it comes to you, using inside foot to stop or cushion

Gate

Two cones placed apart that the ball must pass through as a target

Possession

Your team having control of the ball through passing and movement

Target

An object or area you aim to hit or reach with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity and dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Simple ball striking with any part of foot

Current Skills

Inside foot passing technique development
Ball receiving and control with inside foot
Basic team possession concepts

Next Steps

Passing with both feet consistently
Passing and moving patterns
Advanced team possession games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with middle of foot when passing

Ball travels in intended direction through gates

Successful team passing sequences of 3+ passes

Key Teaching Points

Inside foot positioned sideways to ball for maximum accuracy and control
Contact ball with middle of inside foot surface, not toe or heel area
Non-kicking foot should be stationary and pointing directly at target
Strike through middle of ball to keep passes low and controlled
Receiving requires soft inside foot contact to cushion and control ball
Head up during passing to see teammates and make good decisions
Teamwork in possession requires communication and movement to support ball carrier

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Harder kicks are always better' - Correction: 'Accuracy and control are more important than power'
Misconception: 'Any part of foot works for passing' - Correction: 'Inside foot gives most accuracy and consistency'
Misconception: 'Good players never make mistakes' - Correction: 'Everyone improves through practice and learning from errors'
Misconception: 'Only fast players can be good at football' - Correction: 'Smart passing and positioning are more important than speed'
Misconception: 'Ball should be kicked as hard as possible' - Correction: 'Pass with just enough power for ball to reach target accurately'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks between skills, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier contact, reduced complexity in games, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable routines, visual schedule showing lesson segments, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright yellow balls for better visibility, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system with sighted partner for games

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted distances for wheelchair users, seated passing variations, larger balls for easier handling, modified game rules allowing hand passes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, communication between partners, descriptive language for technique feedback, speaking and listening in reflection

Maths

Counting points in gate challenges, measuring distances between partners, calculating team scores, estimating angles for accurate passing

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, friction between ball and ground affecting speed, body mechanics in kicking motion

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, supporting others, managing emotions in competitive situations, honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all students, moving between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Technical execution of inside foot passing, cooperation during partner work, safety awareness

Intervention Points

["Step in if passing becomes too powerful and unsafe", "Intervene if team games become too competitive or unfair", "Provide individual support for students struggling with technique"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations emphasising key teaching points, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, repeat demonstrations if confusion observed

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways foot, middle contact!'
•'Aim for your partner's feet!'
•'Soft passes, not power!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, preferably grass or artificial surface

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated - not too hard or too soft
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify targets are stable and won't cause injury if hit

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face during passing practice
•Collisions between students during games
•Trips over equipment or uneven ground
•Overexertion in warm conditions

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled passing power, never kicking hard at people
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Regular equipment checks and safe storage procedures
•Monitor students for fatigue and ensure water breaks if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all activities simultaneously
•Move between groups during partner work to provide guidance
•Monitor games closely for appropriate contact and fair play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed