Lesson 2 - Dribbling and Shielding Techniques
Ball Control & Decision-Making
•Year 4
•Football
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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
Distribute around area perimeter before lesson starts
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, or tennis balls for better control
Use for area boundaries and obstacle placement in progressions
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or flat discs
For identifying taggers and team differentiation
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball using your feet while maintaining close control
Using your body to protect the ball from an opponent
Gentle contact with the ball to maintain control
The inner part of your foot used for accurate ball control
The outer part of your foot used for quick direction changes
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
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
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor terminator activities for fair play
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure inclusive participation
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess, appropriate first aid/support, incident recording if required