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Lesson 2 - Dribbling and Shielding Techniques

Ball Control & Decision-Making

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Year 4

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Football

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Big Question

How can I use my whole foot and body position to keep control of the ball even under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop ball control using different parts of the foot for effective dribbling
To understand and apply shielding techniques to protect possession
To demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence in competitive football situations

Key Outcomes

Students will dribble confidently using inside, outside, sole and laces of both feet
Students will use their body to shield the ball from opponents effectively
Students will show determination and engage positively in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around area perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, or tennis balls for better control

Cones

20-30 cones

Use for area boundaries and obstacle placement in progressions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or flat discs

Coloured Bibs

6 bibs (3 colours)

For identifying taggers and team differentiation

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball using your feet while maintaining close control

Shielding

Using your body to protect the ball from an opponent

Soft touches

Gentle contact with the ball to maintain control

Inside of foot

The inner part of your foot used for accurate ball control

Outside of foot

The outer part of your foot used for quick direction changes

Sole

The bottom of your foot used for stopping and rolling the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity and simple touches
Understanding of using inside of foot for ball control
Experience of moving with a ball in open space

Current Skills

Using different parts of both feet for dribbling
Body positioning for effective shielding
Maintaining control under defensive pressure

Next Steps

Dribbling at pace with direction changes
Advanced shielding techniques with turning
1v1 attacking and defending in small spaces

Milestone Indicators

Consistent soft touches keeping ball within playing distance

Wide, stable stance when shielding with body between ball and opponent

Positive engagement and resilience during competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

Soft touches are essential for maintaining close ball control during dribbling
Body positioning in shielding - wide base, low centre of gravity, body between ball and opponent
Different foot surfaces serve different purposes - inside for control, outside for direction changes
Self-motivation and confidence develop through supported challenge and positive reinforcement
Application of skills in game situations is the ultimate test of learning

Common Misconceptions

Using toe instead of different foot surfaces - demonstrate proper contact points clearly
Thinking shielding means pushing opponent - emphasise legal body positioning only
Believing only dominant foot needs to be used - practice both feet equally
Assuming physical confidence means never making mistakes - celebrate attempts and learning
Focusing only on ball, ignoring opponent position when shielding - teach peripheral vision use

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundary markers, regular movement opportunities, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extended practice time, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet break space available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for direction changes, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated ball control options, modified shielding using wheelchair position, adapted distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving and receiving instructions clearly

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry through cone navigation, counting touches and time measurement

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, balance and stability in shielding techniques

PSHE

Self-confidence building, resilience through challenge, teamwork and cooperation skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around area perimeter to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Ball control quality, body positioning during shielding, engagement in competitive activities

Intervention Points

When technique breaks down, during partner mismatches, if competitiveness becomes negative

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique clarity, emphasise key contact points, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches!'
•'Body between ball and opponent!'
•'Use both feet!'
•'Keep your head up!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for main activities, 40m x 30m for games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for football activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs clean and appropriate size
•Regular equipment inspection

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during dribbling activities
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and space management
•Progressive activity intensity build-up
•Appropriate matching of partners
•Regular hydration breaks if needed
•Clear rules about physical contact