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Lesson 5 - Possession Play Techniques

Possession & Team Strategy

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Year 3

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Football

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Big Question

How can we work as a team to keep possession of the ball and score points?

Learning Objectives

Develop accurate passing and moving techniques in football
Apply passing, moving and dribbling skills to maintain possession in small-sided games
Understand the roles of attack and defence in invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy and movement off the ball
Students will successfully apply passing and dribbling combinations to create space
Students will work effectively as a team to maintain possession and score points

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distributed around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, or foam balls for beginners

Coloured Cones

22 cones

For marking boundaries and endzones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or witches hats

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs in 3 different colours

5 of each colour for team identification

Alternative: Team bands or different coloured tops

Small Goal

4 portable goals

For extension activities and shooting practice

Alternative: Cones can mark goal areas if needed

Key Vocabulary

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Passing

Kicking the ball accurately to a teammate

Creating space

Moving away from defenders to receive the ball

Endzone

A scoring area at the end of the playing field

Pressure

When defenders are close to you with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Simple passing to stationary targets
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Accurate passing to moving teammates
Movement off the ball to create space
Combining passing and dribbling under pressure

Next Steps

Tactical awareness in larger games
Advanced passing techniques
Complex attacking patterns

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 5+ consecutive passes

Creates space through coordinated movement

Transitions effectively between attack and defence

Key Teaching Points

Pass with the inside of the foot for accuracy and control
Move immediately after passing to create new passing angles
Keep your head up when dribbling to see space and teammates
Communication is vital - call for the ball and encourage teammates
When under pressure, pass to the teammate with the most space
Create space by moving away from defenders, not towards them
Both passing and dribbling are important tools for keeping possession

Common Misconceptions

Students think dribbling is always better than passing - emphasise that passing can be quicker and safer
Standing still after passing - stress the importance of 'pass and move'
All players moving towards the ball - teach the concept of spreading out and creating space
Only the person with the ball can help - everyone has a role in possession play
Defenders should always try to win the ball - sometimes applying pressure is more effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear structure, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls for easier control, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear routines for transitions, visual supports showing game rules, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright yellow footballs for better visibility, verbal descriptions of game situations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game management, written key instructions on display board

physical disability

Modified games with slower ball rolls, seated passing variations, shorter distances and larger targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in possession games, measuring distances for game areas, calculating scores and points

Science

Understanding forces in kicking, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, friction between ball and ground

Geography

Using directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when losing possession, leadership and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe all activities, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for possession skills application, positive teamwork behaviours and safety concerns

Intervention Points

Step in to support struggling groups, manage competitive emotions, ensure fair play

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good examples, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, link skills to game situations

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Help your teammate!'
•'Keep possession!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Level playing surface, free from debris, holes or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Goals secured if used for extension activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion during high intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space between games
•Controlled tackling progression from no contact to light contact
•Regular rest periods and rotation of roles
•Emphasis on controlled passing rather than powerful kicking

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all games simultaneously
•Monitor physical contact levels closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid response, seek additional support if needed