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Lesson 2 - 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 keep possession of the ball while moving past opponents?

Learning Objectives

Develop dribbling technique to maintain control and possession
Learn when and where to dribble effectively in football
Understand how to change direction and speed while dribbling

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling using inside and outside of feet
Students will show ability to change direction while maintaining ball control
Students will make decisions about when to dribble versus when to pass

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around playing area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for closer control practice

Cones

22.5 mixed colours

Orange cones for mud monsters, different colours for boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or beanbags

Bibs

6-8 (1 colour)

For identifying defenders in activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured shirts

Sun Markers

16 cones

Create 20m x 15m playing areas

Alternative: Line markings or existing pitch boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving with the ball under control using small touches

Possession

Keeping control of the ball for your team

Change of direction

Altering the path of movement to avoid opponents

Ball control

Keeping the ball close and under your command

Space

Areas on the pitch where there are no opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity and simple touches
Understanding of football as an invasion game
Simple passing with stationary ball

Current Skills

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

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling skills and feints
Combining dribbling with passing in game situations
1v1 defending and tackling techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control during movement

Effective use of both feet when dribbling

Quick direction changes without losing possession

Good decision-making under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Keep ball close to feet using small, controlled touches
Use inside and outside of both feet for direction changes
Head up to see space and avoid obstacles/players
Change speed and direction to avoid defenders
Help teammates when they become stuck in challenges
Apply dribbling skills consistently under pressure
Make good decisions about when to dribble vs when to pass

Common Misconceptions

Thinking speed is more important than control - emphasise ball control over pace
Using only dominant foot - encourage use of both feet equally
Looking down at ball constantly - teach importance of head up for awareness
Believing bigger touches are better - demonstrate effectiveness of small touches
Assuming dribbling is always the best option - introduce concept of when to pass instead

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

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

dyspraxia

Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure students can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Adapt to seated dribbling if necessary, use larger/softer balls, modify distances and speeds as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial awareness, angles of movement, counting successful dribbles, measuring distances between cones

Science

Forces and motion when changing direction, friction between ball and surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, backward), mapping movement patterns around obstacles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of the playing area to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct use of inside/outside foot, ball control under pressure, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with basic control, show frustration, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at normal speed. Use clear, exaggerated movements for visual learners

Verbal Cues

•'Small touches!'
•'Head up, look ahead!'
•'Use both feet!'
•'Keep it close!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m clear area, preferably grass or suitable outdoor surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify boundary markers are clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling activities
•Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to face or body during close control work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Adequate spacing maintained between students during activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•No tackling rule enforced during 1v1 activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around area to monitor different groups
•Pay particular attention during competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required