Lesson 5 - Ball Control Techniques
Foundation Skills & Game Sense
•Year 4
•Football
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How can we use different parts of our body to control the ball and maintain possession in a game?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to control the ball with different parts of the body using cushioning technique
- To demonstrate increasing control when passing and receiving the ball
- To apply ball control skills in game situations to help maintain team possession
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully control the ball using chest, thigh, and foot with cushioning technique
- Students will demonstrate improved first touch control in practice and game situations
- Students will show understanding of how ball control helps maintain team possession
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, bean bags for initial practice
Use for creating practice boxes (16 sets of 4 cones) and goal markers
Alternative: Flat markers, rope to mark boundaries
One colour per team for easy identification during games
Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, pinnies, or arm bands
Key Vocabulary
The initial contact with the ball when receiving it
Moving the body part backwards as the ball makes contact to absorb the power
Managing the ball so it stays close and you can play it next
Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, balanced on balls of feet
The next contact after controlling the ball on first touch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball familiarisation and movement
- Simple throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
Current Skills
- First touch cushioning technique with different body parts
- Controlling ball from self-thrown and partner-thrown feeds
- Applying ball control in conditioned game situations
Next Steps
- Ball control under defensive pressure
- Advanced first touch techniques including directional control
- Combining ball control with immediate passing or shooting
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cushioning means moving the body part backwards as ball makes contact to absorb power
- Good first touch sets up easy second touch for next action
- Body positioning behind ball is crucial for effective control
- Learning new skills takes time and patience - perseverance is key
- Ball control helps maintain possession and creates scoring opportunities
- Different body parts have different effectiveness for controlling ball
- Good sportsmanship makes games more enjoyable for everyone
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'First touch should be hard to get ball under control quickly' - Correction: 'First touch should be soft cushioning to take power out of ball'
- Misconception: 'Only feet should be used to control ball in football' - Correction: 'Chest, thigh, and foot are all legal and useful for ball control'
- Misconception: 'If skill doesn't work immediately, I'm not good at football' - Correction: 'All footballers had to practice these skills many times to get good at them'
- Misconception: 'Ball control is only important for attackers' - Correction: 'All players need good ball control to help their team keep possession'
- Misconception: 'Bigger players have advantage in ball control' - Correction: 'Good technique and practice matter more than size for ball control skills'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built into lesson structure
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, slower introduction of skills, extra practice time, simplified instructions, visual demonstration support
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available if needed, consistent routines, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for activities, use tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for commands, ensure good sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Seated ball control variations, use larger softer balls, adjust throwing distances, wheelchair accessible activities, upper body focus options
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, describing technique using appropriate vocabulary, explaining learning to others
Maths
Measuring distances for practice areas, counting successful attempts, calculating improvement percentages, understanding angles of ball approach
Science
Forces and motion - how cushioning reduces ball speed, gravity affecting ball flight, friction between ball and different body parts
PSHE
Perseverance when learning difficult skills, supporting partners, demonstrating good sportsmanship and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during demonstrations, circulate during practice to give individual feedback, between game areas during matches
Observation Focus
Look for cushioning technique development, safety compliance, positive learning attitudes, application of skills in game context
Intervention Points
Step in if safety rules not followed, provide encouragement when students frustrated with new skill, offer specific technique tips
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate cushioning by exaggerating the backward movement. Show both correct and incorrect technique for contrast. Use enthusiastic body language to maintain engagement.
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft cushioning - like a pillow!'
- •'Pull that body part back when ball touches!'
- •'Great first touch - you took the power out!'
- •'Remember - learning takes time and practice!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space for full class, larger ideal for game activities
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or hard surface. Check for holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify team bands are appropriate size and clean
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball collisions during throwing activities
- •Students slipping when moving to control balls
- •Collisions between students in small spaces
- •Overexertion in game situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain 3m spacing during individual ball work
- •Emphasise underarm throwing only - no overarm throws
- •Clear boundaries for game areas with adequate spacing
- •No tackling rule reduces collision risk in games
- •Regular hydration breaks if weather warm
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor throwing activities for appropriate technique and safety
- •Watch game areas for rule adherence and fair play
- •Be alert for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed. Other students seated and supervised.