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Lesson 2 - Dribbling Under Pressure

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 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

Cones

Used for boundaries, gates, and dribbling courses

Alternative: Bean bags, marker domes, sports bottles

Softballs

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for younger students, tennis balls for control practice

Coloured Bibs

For identifying defenders and different teams

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet while maintaining control

Ball Control

The ability to receive and manipulate the ball using different parts of your foot

Soft Touches

Gentle contact with the ball to maintain close control

Under Pressure

When an opponent is close and trying to take the ball away

Close Control

Keeping the ball very near to your feet when in tight spaces

Possession

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

Consistent ball control during movement

Successful evasion of defenders

Appropriate speed variation while dribbling

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