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Lesson 5 - Ball Control Techniques

Foundation Skills & Game Sense

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Year 4

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per student (30 total)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, bean bags for initial practice

Cones

60 total

Use for creating practice boxes (16 sets of 4 cones) and goal markers

Alternative: Flat markers, rope to mark boundaries

Team bibs

15 (for 3v3 games)

One colour per team for easy identification during games

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, pinnies, or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

First touch

The initial contact with the ball when receiving it

Cushioning

Moving the body part backwards as the ball makes contact to absorb the power

Control

Managing the ball so it stays close and you can play it next

Ready position

Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, balanced on balls of feet

Second touch

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

Consistent cushioning contact that reduces ball speed

Body positioned correctly behind incoming ball

Controlled second touch that maintains possession

Effective use of ball control in game situations

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.