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Lesson 3 - Turning with Control

Ball Control & Decision-Making

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Year 4

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Football

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Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Placed around perimeter of area for easy collection

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

Cones

20-25

Central cones for turning practice, corner goals for games

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Clear colour distinction for 4v4 games

Alternative: Coloured bands or temporary team identification

Key Vocabulary

Drag Turn

A turn where you drag the ball backwards with the sole of your foot before turning in the opposite direction

Hook Turn

A turn using the inside or outside of the foot to pull the ball around your body

Standing Foot

The foot that remains on the ground for balance while the other foot controls the ball

Width

Using the full space available across the pitch to spread out play

Exploit Space

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

Consistent body positioning during turns

Maintains ball control throughout turn execution

Selects appropriate turn type for game situation

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