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Lesson 3 - Passing to a Teammate

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 work as a team to keep possession of the ball and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing accuracy to a teammate with increasing control
To understand how to maintain possession through effective communication and positioning
To apply passing skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently pass the ball to stationary and moving targets
Students will demonstrate the four 'S's technique (Stop, Step, See, Send)
Students will work effectively as a team to maintain possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed around area for goals and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines

Softballs

15 (1 per pair)

Inflated to appropriate pressure for year group

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

Bibs

8 (for 3v1 games)

Distinguish teams during competitive activities

Alternative: Different coloured items or team bands

Key Vocabulary

Passing

Sending the ball accurately to a teammate using controlled kicks

Four 'S's

Stop, Step, See, Send - the technique sequence for accurate passing

Possession

Keeping control of the ball within your team

Target

The teammate or goal you are aiming to pass the ball to

Inside of foot

The flat inner surface of the foot used for accurate passing

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and stopping techniques
Simple dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Accurate passing using inside of foot
Four 'S's technique application
Basic team communication

Next Steps

Passing to moving targets
Advanced tactical awareness
First touch passing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy over 5 metres

Effective use of non-kicking foot for balance

Clear communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Four S's technique is essential for accurate passing - emphasise each step
Communication with teammates is crucial for successful passing in games
Quality of technique more important than speed or power
Inside of foot provides most accuracy for short to medium passes
Looking up before passing helps identify best target
Encouraging teammates builds confidence and team spirit
Practice under pressure helps transfer skills to real game situations

Common Misconceptions

Students think passing hard equals passing well - emphasise accuracy and appropriate power
Many students skip the 'See' step - reinforce looking before passing
Some students think only the ball carrier matters - emphasise off-ball movement
Students may believe they don't need to communicate - show how calls help teammates
Some think mistakes are failures - reframe as learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between static activities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slower demonstrations, extra practice time, break down four S's into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide visual sequence cards for four S's, maintain predictable routine, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written activity cards, ensure student can see teacher during instructions

physical disability

Adapt to seated position if needed, use larger/softer balls, adjust distances, focus on arm passing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes and goals, measuring distances for goals, angles and directions for passing

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, cause and effect in passing accuracy

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning on field

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position to see all students during instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for four S's technique, communication between students, inclusion of all team members

Intervention Points

Step in if passing power too aggressive, if students excluded from activities, if technique consistently incorrect

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for four S's, show both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Stop, step, see, send!'
•'Look for space!'
•'Call your teammate's name!'
•'Quality over speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for multiple activities simultaneously

Surface Check

Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Position equipment safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during movement
•Trips over equipment or uneven surface

Risk Mitigation

•Controlled passing power appropriate for distance
•Clear spacing between activities
•Students aware of others when moving with ball
•No physical contact allowed in games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during 3v1 games
•Monitor passing power during partner activities
•Check group dynamics for inclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aid support if needed