Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control
Possession & Team Strategy
•Year 3
•Football
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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
Pre-positioned around area perimeter for quick collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for beginners
Used to mark boundaries and create obstacles representing defenders
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or any safe obstacles
For identifying defenders in later activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet while maintaining control
Keeping the ball close to your feet so you can move with it and change direction
Having control and ownership of the ball
Altering the path you're moving in whilst keeping control of the ball
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
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