Lesson 4 - Dribbling & Passing Skills
Possession & Team Strategy
•Year 3
•Football
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How can we combine passing and dribbling to outsmart defenders and keep possession?
Learning Objectives
- To combine dribbling and passing skills to maintain possession
- To make tactical decisions about when to pass or dribble based on game situations
- To create and use space effectively to avoid defenders
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ability to switch between dribbling and passing based on defender position
- Students will show improved decision-making in possession games
- Students will create space through movement and ball control
Equipment & Resources Required
Place balls around perimeter of area for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, futsal balls, or tennis balls for better control
Use to mark boundaries and create zones for activities
Alternative: Coloured spots, dome markers, or polo shirts as markers
Separate colours for attackers and defenders in games
Alternative: Different coloured polo shirts or bands
Key Vocabulary
Having control of the ball as a team
Moving into an area away from defenders where you can receive the ball safely
Choosing the best option (pass or dribble) based on what you see
When a defender gains possession of the ball intended for an attacker
When a defender moves close to you to make passing or dribbling difficult
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dribbling with inside and outside of foot
- Simple passing to stationary and moving targets
- Understanding of space and movement
Current Skills
- Combining dribbling and passing in sequence
- Making decisions under pressure from defenders
- Creating space through movement and ball manipulation
Next Steps
- Applying combined skills in directional games
- Advanced decision-making with multiple defenders
- Leading team tactics in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Decision-making is the core skill - students must learn to assess defender position before choosing action
- Communication between teammates is essential for successful possession play
- Ball control must be maintained even under pressure from defenders
- Creating space through movement is as important as technical skills with the ball
- Teamwork and individual skills must be balanced for effective possession
- Progressive pressure allows students to develop confidence before facing full challenges
- Celebration of good decisions is important even if the outcome is unsuccessful
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that passing is always safer than dribbling - sometimes dribbling creates better opportunities
- Believing that faster play is always better - controlled, thoughtful play often maintains possession longer
- Assuming that individual skills are more important than team communication
- Thinking that defenders are just obstacles rather than tactical opponents who can be manipulated
- Believing that only the ball carrier makes tactical decisions - all players should be thinking tactically
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra demonstration and practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, designate quiet zones for breaks, use familiar routines and clear expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication when giving instructions
physical disability
- Adapt activities for wheelchair users with seated versions, modify distances and equipment size, allow walking pace alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during games, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for area boundaries, angles of passes and movement
Science
Forces applied to ball during passing and dribbling, friction between boots and surface, heart rate changes
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, creating and reading space, directional language
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, decision-making under pressure, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, skill execution under pressure, and team communication
Intervention Points
Step in when unsafe play occurs, when students need tactical guidance, or when differentiation needed
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Head up, look first!'
- •'Defender close - pass! Defender far - dribble!'
- •'Great decision-making!'
- •'Talk to your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area with defined boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, and obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and have no damaged fastenings
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students moving at speed
- •Ball strikes to head or body from close range
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Unsafe tackling during defender activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
- •Appropriate spacing between activity groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on controlled, safe tackling techniques
- •Regular rest periods to prevent fatigue-related accidents
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas particularly closely
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe play observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid if qualified, seek additional support as needed