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Lesson 6 - Football Tournament Application

Possession Play & Team Tactics

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Year 4

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Football

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Big Question

How can we apply all our football skills to compete successfully and fairly in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply passing, dribbling and shooting skills in competitive game situations
To demonstrate understanding of attack and defence roles within a team structure
To show cooperation, respect and fair play throughout competitive matches

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully combine football skills in tournament matches
Students will understand and apply tactical decisions during games
Students will demonstrate excellent sportsmanship and teamwork throughout competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

8-10 balls

One ball per match, extras available for quick restarts

Alternative: Soft-touch balls for safety

Cones

40-50 cones

Mark out multiple small pitches and goal areas

Alternative: Corner flags, markers

Bibs

Sets of different colours

Distinguish teams clearly for officials and players

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Score Sheets

1 per match

Track results for tournament table

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Stopwatch

2-3 timers

Manage match durations consistently

Alternative: Mobile phone timers

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive event where teams play multiple matches to determine overall winners

Round Robin

A tournament format where each team plays against every other team once

Tactical Decision

Choosing the best action (pass, dribble, shoot) based on the game situation

Sportsmanship

Fair and generous behaviour, especially in competitive situations

Goal Area

The restricted zone around the goal where only goalkeepers are allowed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing techniques using inside and outside of foot
Dribbling with close ball control using both feet
Shooting with accuracy towards goal targets
Understanding of attack and defence concepts

Current Skills

Applying all football skills in competitive tournament format
Making tactical decisions during gameplay
Demonstrating sportsmanship and team cooperation under pressure
Self-managing teams and following tournament rules

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding in 11v11 football
Specialist positional play and formations
Leadership roles in sports teams
Competitive tournament organisation and management

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of skills under tournament pressure

Clear understanding of when to pass, dribble or shoot

Positive team communication and support throughout matches

Fair play and respect for rules even in competitive situations

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise skill application over winning at all costs throughout tournament
Promote excellent sportsmanship and fair play as measure of true success
Encourage tactical thinking and decision-making during competitive play
Maintain focus on teamwork and cooperation under tournament pressure
Celebrate effort, improvement and character development alongside results
Use goal area rules to promote safety and fair play during matches
Provide positive reflection opportunities to consolidate learning achieved

Common Misconceptions

Thinking winning is more important than playing with skill and sportsmanship - emphasise that champions show their quality through how they play
Believing only the best players can contribute to team success - highlight how everyone has important roles in football
Assuming tournament pressure means abandoning learned techniques - reinforce that pressure situations are when skills matter most
Thinking goal area rules are unfair restrictions - explain how they promote safety and fair play for everyone
Believing that losing matches means failure - focus on effort, improvement and positive competitive character as true measures of success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear structure with defined match times, regular movement between different roles, immediate feedback and encouragement during play

dyspraxia

Larger goals and pitch areas, additional practice time with skills, simplified tactical instructions with visual supports

autism spectrum

Clear tournament schedule provided in advance, quiet space available between matches, visual supports for rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal descriptions of tournament format, buddy system for navigation during matches

hearing impairment

Visual signals for match starts and stops, written tournament rules and results, clear visual demonstrations of tactics

physical disability

Modified pitch sizes and team numbers, seated participation roles such as team coach or referee, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Team communication and tactical discussions, reflection on performance using descriptive language, reading tournament rules and formats

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points tables, measuring pitch dimensions and goal areas, timing match durations accurately

Science

Understanding forces in kicking and ball movement, effects of exercise on heart rate during competitive play, biomechanics of football skills

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding of positioning and movement patterns, map reading skills for tournament organisation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation under pressure, resilience when facing defeat, leadership skills and encouraging others, respect and fair play in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe multiple matches, rotate between pitches to provide encouragement and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, sportsmanship during competitive play, tactical understanding and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, if unsporting behaviour develops, or if students need tactical guidance to improve performance

Demonstration Notes

Model positive competitive attitude, show tactical examples during natural breaks in play, highlight excellent sportsmanship when observed

Verbal Cues

•'Great passing! Now find space for the next move!'
•'Excellent teamwork - help each other succeed!'
•'Remember the goal area rule - stay safe and fair!'
•'Champions show their class in how they treat opponents!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 40m x 30m for multiple small pitches with clear boundaries between games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick direction changes during competitive play

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Cones positioned safely to mark boundaries without creating trip hazards
•Goal areas clearly marked to prevent dangerous play near goals

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive matches
•Overexertion during tournament format
•Frustration or poor behaviour during competitive play
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries established with adequate space between games
•Goal area restrictions prevent dangerous play near goals
•Regular rest periods between matches to prevent fatigue
•Emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play throughout tournament
•Adult supervision of all matches with clear behaviour expectations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple matches simultaneously
•Monitor competitive behaviour and intervene if necessary
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure goal area rules are being followed for safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all matches immediately if incident occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear communication with other staff if needed