Lesson 2 - Dribbling and Control
Possession & Team Strategy
•Year 3
•Football
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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
Distributed around playing area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for closer control practice
Orange cones for mud monsters, different colours for boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or beanbags
For identifying defenders in activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured shirts
Create 20m x 15m playing areas
Alternative: Line markings or existing pitch boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Moving with the ball under control using small touches
Keeping control of the ball for your team
Altering the path of movement to avoid opponents
Keeping the ball close and under your command
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
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