Lesson 3 - Turning with Control
Ball Control & Decision-Making
•Year 4
•Football
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How can different types of turns help us create space and opportunities in football?
Learning Objectives
- Develop confident turning techniques with a football using drag turns and hook turns
- Apply turning skills in game situations to create space and opportunities
- Demonstrate understanding of when to use different turns tactically
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute at least two different types of turns with increasing confidence
- Students will use turns effectively in small-sided games to evade opponents
- Students will explain when different turns are most effective in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Placed around perimeter of area for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, tennis balls for beginners
Central cones for turning practice, corner goals for games
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Clear colour distinction for 4v4 games
Alternative: Coloured bands or temporary team identification
Key Vocabulary
A turn where you drag the ball backwards with the sole of your foot before turning in the opposite direction
A turn using the inside or outside of the foot to pull the ball around your body
The foot that remains on the ground for balance while the other foot controls the ball
Using the full space available across the pitch to spread out play
Moving the ball quickly to areas where there are fewer opponents
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 direction changes while moving
- Understanding of personal space and ball control
Current Skills
- Drag turn technique with body positioning
- Inside and outside hook turns
- Tactical application of turns in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced turning under pressure
- Combination of turns in sequence
- Using turns to support team play and passing
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Standing foot placement is crucial for balance and control during all turning movements
- Body must turn with the ball - technique alone is not enough without complete movement
- Different turns suit different game situations - tactical understanding is as important as technical skill
- Maintaining ball control throughout the turn is more important than speed of execution
- Width in games creates more opportunities than playing narrow through the middle
- Sportsmanship and rule acceptance are fundamental life skills developed through sport
- Self-assessment builds character and helps students take ownership of their learning
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that stepping over the ball is the same as dragging it - emphasis needed on sole contact
- Believing faster turning is always better - control and timing are more important than speed
- Assuming all turns work in all situations - tactical awareness must develop alongside technique
- Focusing only on ball skills and ignoring team play - football is fundamentally a team sport
- Thinking that arguing with decisions shows passion - acceptance and respect demonstrate true sportsmanship
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer regular movement breaks and feedback
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for coordination, use larger equipment initially, provide step-by-step verbal and visual guidance
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed for regulation
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of techniques, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt turns for wheelchair users, modify playing area size, use larger lighter balls for easier control
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of turning (90°, 180°), counting points during warm-up activity, spatial geometry in N-shaped course
Science
Forces involved in turning and direction change, friction between boot and ball, momentum and acceleration
Geography
Directions and compass points during turning, spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions and authority, self-assessment and honest reflection
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during demonstrations, circulate during practice, corner position for game observation
Observation Focus
Technical development of turning skills, tactical understanding in games, sportsmanship and rule acceptance
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is dangerous, support struggling students, address poor sportsmanship immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples whenever possible, show techniques from multiple angles, emphasise key teaching points clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Standing foot beside the ball!'
- •'Drag don't step!'
- •'Turn your whole body!'
- •'Use the width!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for warm-up, multiple 20m x 10m areas for games, clear demonstration space
Surface Check
Dry, level grass or artificial surface free from hazards, holes, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated to avoid injury
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during tag warm-up
- •Ankle injuries during turning movements
- •Ball strikes to head or body during games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Progressive skill building from slow to game pace
- •Adequate spacing between practice groups
- •Emphasis on controlled movements during skill practice
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during games
- •Monitor technique during turning practice for injury prevention
- •Watch for fatigue and intensity levels throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required