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Lesson 3 - Passing and Possession

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 passing to keep possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To use short passes accurately to maintain possession
To work as a team to move towards goal
To make decisions following the 'shoot, pass, dribble' hierarchy

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate short passing in game situations
Students will show understanding of team movement towards goal
Students will apply the decision-making hierarchy consistently

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 6 students (5 total)

Distribute balls to group leaders at start

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, tennis balls for control practice

Cones

12 for boundaries, 8 for end zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

16 (two sets of 8)

Ready to distribute for team games

Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands

Key Vocabulary

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Intercept

To get a touch on the ball when the opposition is passing

End zone

The scoring area where you must control the ball to score

Short pass

A pass over a distance of 5-10 yards using the inside of the foot

Hierarchy

The order of priorities: 1st shoot, 2nd pass, 3rd dribble

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with inside of foot
Simple passing to stationary targets
Understanding of team games structure

Current Skills

Short passing under pressure
Team possession play
Decision-making hierarchy

Next Steps

Passing over longer distances
Creating space through movement
Advanced tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in 5-yard passes

Quick decision-making under pressure

Effective team coordination

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise accuracy over power in short passing
Constantly reinforce the shoot-pass-dribble hierarchy
Encourage scanning and awareness before receiving ball
Promote positive communication during team activities
Focus on maintaining possession through patient build-up play
Develop quick decision-making under pressure
Always ensure someone is positioned in attacking areas

Common Misconceptions

Believing that dribbling is always the best option when under pressure
Thinking that possession means keeping the ball at all costs without purpose
Assuming that harder passes are better than accurate gentle passes
Misunderstanding that defending players cannot enter any end zone
Thinking that intercepting means taking full possession rather than just touching the ball

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions

dyspraxia

Larger balls and targets, reduced complexity of movements, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedules, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key concepts

physical disability

Adapted games with seated positions, modified equipment sizes, adjusted playing areas

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following instructions, explaining strategies

Maths

Counting passes, measuring distances for game areas, angles of passing

Science

Forces applied to ball during passing, body systems during exercise

Computing

Following algorithms (decision-making hierarchy), logical thinking

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions, mapping movement patterns on pitch

PSHE

Teamwork, making decisions under pressure, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for passing accuracy, decision-making speed, and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when activities become too easy/difficult, safety concerns arise, or students struggle with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate from multiple angles, involve students in demonstrations where possible

Verbal Cues

•'Quick feet, quick thoughts!'
•'Look before you receive!'
•'Shoot first, then pass!'
•'Use your voice to help teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m clear space for multiple activity areas

Surface Check

Even grass or artificial surface, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion in warm weather

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles
•Regular water breaks in warm conditions
•Teaching safe passing heights (below shoulder)

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor intensity levels and provide rest as needed
•Watch for unsafe play and intervene immediately

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical assistance