Lesson 3 - Passing and Receiving with Control
Possession & Team Strategy
•Year 3
•Football
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How can we keep possession of the ball by passing accurately and moving into space?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate passing technique using the inside of the foot
- Learn to receive and control the ball effectively
- Understand when and where to pass to keep possession
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy and ball control
- Students will show understanding of movement to create passing opportunities
- Students will apply passing skills in game-like situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Place around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for control practice
Various colours for creating gates and boundaries
Alternative: Spot markers, small cones, flat markers
For identifying teams and defenders
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
Kicking the ball accurately to a teammate to keep possession
Controlling the ball when it comes to you from a teammate
Stopping and directing the ball so you can use it effectively
When your team has control of the ball
Empty areas on the pitch where players can move to receive the ball
Moving to help a teammate who has the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and dribbling skills
- Understanding of space and movement
- Familiarity with football rules and safety
Current Skills
- Inside of foot passing technique
- Ball receiving and control
- Movement to create and find space
- Basic tactical awareness for keeping possession
Next Steps
- Passing under greater pressure
- Longer range passing techniques
- Advanced movement patterns and support play
- Defending and winning the ball back
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Non-kicking foot placement beside ball is crucial for accurate passing
- Inside of foot provides better accuracy than toe or instep for short passes
- Receiving on toes with soft first touch maintains possession effectively
- Movement after passing creates space and supports team possession
- Communication between teammates improves passing success rates
- Accuracy is more important than power in possession-based football
- Looking up before passing helps identify best passing options
Common Misconceptions
- More power equals better passing - emphasise accuracy over force
- Only the player with ball needs to move - teach off-ball movement importance
- Passing is just kicking to someone - highlight technique and decision-making elements
- Football is individual skill focused - demonstrate team cooperation benefits
- Receiving means just stopping the ball - teach positive first touch toward next action
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use movement breaks between static activities
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key words on display board
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing if needed, use larger/lighter balls, modify distances and gate sizes accordingly
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting accurate passes, measuring distances between gates, calculating team scores and comparing results
Science
Understanding forces in ball movement, friction effects on passing accuracy, body mechanics in balance and coordination
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction, understanding of relative positions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, perseverance when skills are challenging, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of activity area for clear view of all students, move to central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot placement, ball control quality, and student movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with technique, safety concerns arise, or activity flow breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, maintain enthusiasm and encouragement throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Side foot for accuracy!'
- •'Non-kicking foot beside the ball!'
- •'Soft touch to receive!'
- •'Pass and move!'
- •'Look up and find space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from hazards and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure cones are stable and visible
- •Verify no sharp edges on any equipment
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball-to-face contact during passing practice
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Overexertion during team challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach proper passing height (ground level)
- •Establish clear movement patterns and boundaries
- •Regular surface checks and activity modification if needed
- •Monitor student fatigue and provide rest breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Circulate actively during skill practice sections
- •Maintain central position during team challenges for quick intervention
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required