Lesson 2 - Dribbling Under Pressure
Foundation Skills & Game Sense
•Year 4
•Football
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How can we keep control of the ball when opponents are trying to stop us?
Learning Objectives
- To develop controlling the ball with all parts of the foot
- To improve dribbling skills under defensive pressure
- To understand when to dribble close and when to push the ball ahead
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved ball control using different parts of their feet
- Students will successfully dribble past opponents in game situations
- Students will make appropriate decisions about when to dribble close or push the ball forward
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for boundaries, gates, and dribbling courses
Alternative: Bean bags, marker domes, sports bottles
Distributed around perimeter before lesson starts
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for younger students, tennis balls for control practice
For identifying defenders and different teams
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet while maintaining control
The ability to receive and manipulate the ball using different parts of your foot
Gentle contact with the ball to maintain close control
When an opponent is close and trying to take the ball away
Keeping the ball very near to your feet when in tight spaces
Having control of the ball for your team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control with stationary ball
- Simple dribbling in straight lines
- Understanding of basic football rules
Current Skills
- Dribbling with all parts of the foot
- Controlling the ball under pressure
- Making tactical decisions while dribbling
Next Steps
- Dribbling in confined spaces
- Advanced ball control techniques
- Combining dribbling with passing in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use all parts of the foot for different dribbling situations
- Keep ball close when under pressure from defenders
- Push ball ahead into space when no defenders are near
- Head up to see defenders and teammates while dribbling
- Bend knees and use soft touches for better ball control
- Communicate with teammates during game situations
- Practice honest play and self-management in games
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking only the inside of foot should be used for dribbling
- Believing faster dribbling is always better regardless of situation
- Assuming ball control is less important than speed of movement
- Thinking individual dribbling is always better than passing to teammates
- Believing defensive pressure means losing possession is inevitable
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified instructions broken into steps, extra practice time provided
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual timetable, quiet break-out area available, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of spatial setup, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instruction changes, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated dribbling practice, modified distances, larger balls for easier control, peer support partnerships
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion when ball contacts foot, friction between ball and surface, balance and centre of gravity when dribbling
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction changes, mapping movement patterns around area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competitive activities, honest self-assessment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups offering individual coaching, position to observe multiple areas during games
Observation Focus
Watch for technique adaptation under pressure, cooperation between students, fair play in games
Intervention Points
Step in when defending becomes too aggressive, when groups struggle with self-management, when technique significantly deteriorates
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique changes, involve students in demonstrations, contrast good and poor examples clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft touches when defender near!'
- •'Push and run when space opens!'
- •'Head up to see your options!'
- •'Use all parts of your foot!'
- •'Help your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m clear area, additional space around boundaries for safety
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, debris or standing water
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Footballs properly inflated and checked for damage
- •Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
- •Coloured bibs clean and tear-free
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during high-energy activities
- •Falls when running with ball or changing direction
- •Contact during defending phases
- •Balls travelling into other groups' areas
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •No slide tackles permitted during defensive practice
- •Adequate spacing between different group activities
- •Progressive increase in intensity throughout lesson
- •Emphasis on controlled, safe defending
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during small-sided games
- •Monitor energy levels and provide rest breaks as needed
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique or safety
- •Ensure fair rotation of roles in games
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, send for additional help if required