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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control

Possession & Team Strategy

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Year 3

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use dribbling skills to keep control and possession of the ball whilst moving?

Learning Objectives

To introduce and develop basic dribbling techniques to maintain ball control
To understand when, where and why dribbling is used in football
To develop the ability to change direction whilst maintaining possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling using inside and outside of both feet
Students will show understanding of space awareness and decision-making when dribbling
Students will maintain possession under pressure and change direction effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around area perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

25 (various colours)

Used to mark boundaries and create obstacles representing defenders

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or any safe obstacles

Bibs

6 in different colour

For identifying defenders in later activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet while maintaining control

Ball Control

Keeping the ball close to your feet so you can move with it and change direction

Possession

Having control and ownership of the ball

Change of Direction

Altering the path you're moving in whilst keeping control of the ball

Space

Areas on the pitch where there are no defenders or obstacles

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity and handling
Simple kicking with both feet
Understanding of personal space and movement

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with inside and outside of feet
Changing direction whilst maintaining possession
Decision-making about when to dribble

Next Steps

Dribbling past defenders in 1v1 situations
Combining dribbling with passing decisions
Advanced turning techniques and feints

Milestone Indicators

Can dribble 10 metres without losing control

Successfully changes direction 3 times in 30 seconds

Demonstrates correct foot positioning and body posture

Key Teaching Points

Keep the ball close to your feet - no more than one step away
Use both inside and outside of both feet for better control
Head up to scan for space and avoid obstacles or defenders
Small, frequent touches give better control than fewer big touches
Turn away from pressure using the outside of your foot
Practice makes perfect - keep trying even when you make mistakes
Help your teammates and work together during challenges

Common Misconceptions

Dribbling means running fast with the ball - emphasise control over speed
Only use your stronger foot - teach equal use of both feet
Look down at the ball constantly - coach head up technique
Big touches are better for speed - explain close control benefits
Defenders always try to tackle - show different defensive approaches

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries, extra movement breaks between sections

dyspraxia

Larger footballs for easier control, simplified turning techniques, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured footballs, provide verbal cues for all movements, pair with sighted buddy for navigation

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules and scoring

physical disability

Seated dribbling variations, larger balls for easier control, modified rescue techniques using hands

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting cone hits for scoring, measuring distances between obstacles, geometry of turning angles

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, friction between ball and foot, momentum in direction changes

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation around obstacles, understanding of direction and pathways

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in rescue activities, resilience when making mistakes, respecting others' learning pace

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, enter activity area to give individual coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot positioning, ball control distance, and spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with basic technique or safety issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to highlight technique points, involve confident students in demonstrations, show common mistakes to avoid

Verbal Cues

•'Ball close to feet!'
•'Use both feet!'
•'Head up, eyes scanning!'
•'Turn away from pressure!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30x20m clear space, preferably grass or appropriate surface

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 broken parts
•Verify bibs are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling activities
•Trips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball impacts from loss of control
•Overexertion during competitive phases

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing rules established
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•No-tackling rule in defender activities
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around space during activities
•Monitor individual fatigue levels
•Ensure rules compliance in competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed