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Lesson 5 - Outside Foot Control and Dribbling

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 mastering the outside of the foot help us become more creative and unpredictable players?

Learning Objectives

Control the ball using the outside of the foot and dribble with confidence
Receive the ball and dribble effectively into space
Use ball control to maintain possession in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate outside foot control whilst maintaining close ball contact
Students will make tactical decisions about when to dribble versus when to pass
Students will apply dribbling skills effectively in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Tennis balls for students who need larger ball control

Dish Cones

Used for circle formation and pitch boundaries

Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags

Coloured Bibs

15 (one colour)

For team identification in final game

Alternative: Different coloured bands or pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Outside of foot

The outer edge of the foot used for ball control and dribbling

Dribbling

Moving with the ball under close control using small touches

Change of direction

Altering the path of movement to avoid opponents or find space

Possession

Maintaining control of the ball for your team

Decision-making

Choosing the best option between dribbling, passing, or shooting

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 techniques
Understanding of personal space and ball handling

Current Skills

Outside foot ball control
Directional changes whilst dribbling
Decision-making between dribbling and passing

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques and feints
Combination play with teammates
Tactical awareness in larger game formats

Milestone Indicators

Consistent outside foot contact with ball

Smooth direction changes without losing control

Appropriate decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Outside foot technique requires inward foot turn with outside edge contact
Ball must remain close to feet during all dribbling movements
Decision-making between dribbling and passing is situational and tactical
Direction changes using outside foot create space and unpredictability
Game application requires balance between individual skill and team play
Safety awareness during dynamic activities prevents collisions and injuries
Progressive skill building from stationary to game application ensures success

Common Misconceptions

Using inside of foot instead of outside - correct by emphasising foot turn inward
Ball too far from feet during dribbling - correct with 'arm's length' rule
Always dribbling regardless of game situation - correct by highlighting space recognition
Rushing technique to move faster - correct by emphasising control over speed
Only using dominant foot - encourage bilateral practice and celebrate attempts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of activities, allow extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule, offer quiet zones during intense activities, maintain consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted peer partners

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for commands, demonstrate all instructions, position for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt to seated wheelchair dribbling, use larger balls for easier control, modify distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces applied to ball during contact, friction between foot and ball, momentum during direction changes

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding directional vocabulary

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, showing resilience when skills are challenging

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity areas maintaining visual contact with all groups, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct outside foot technique, spatial awareness, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate movements for visibility, repeat key points multiple times, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Turn that foot inward!'
•'Keep the ball close!'
•'Look for space!'
•'Make the smart choice!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for activities, larger for multiple pitches

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and tear-free

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dribbling activities
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body during game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic
•Emphasis on control over speed throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor circle activities for centre collisions
•Watch game situations for inappropriate contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required