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Lesson 5 - Introducing Shooting

Possession Play & Team Tactics

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Year 4

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we create and execute successful goal scoring opportunities through accurate shooting?

Learning Objectives

Students will understand and apply the correct shooting technique using the inside of the foot
Students will learn when and where to shoot for maximum goal scoring success
Students will combine passing, moving and dribbling skills to create shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students can demonstrate accurate shooting technique with correct body positioning
Students can identify appropriate shooting positions and target areas of the goal
Students can create attacking moves that result in goal scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter, properly inflated

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control

Cones

Mark goal corners and area boundaries

Alternative: Flat markers or bean bags

Goals

4 portable goals

Positioned on each side of square playing area

Alternative: Cone goals (2m wide) or wall targets

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For identifying players and teams

Alternative: Bands or numbered vests

Gloves

4 pairs

For students taking goalkeeper role

Alternative: Optional for safety and grip

Key Vocabulary

Shooting

Striking the ball with force and accuracy towards the goal to score

Inside of foot

The inner side of the foot used for accurate passing and shooting

Target area

Specific areas of the goal where shots are most likely to beat the goalkeeper

Through ball

A pass played forward into space for a teammate to run onto

First time shot

Shooting immediately when the ball arrives without taking a touch

Power

The force applied when striking the ball, usually with the laces

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and dribbling skills
Passing accuracy with inside of foot
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Ability to move with and without the ball

Current Skills

Shooting technique with inside of foot
Target selection and accuracy
Creating shooting opportunities through combination play
Understanding of when and where to shoot

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques with laces
Shooting under pressure from defenders
Creating and finishing crossing opportunities
Team attacking patterns and movements

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with the inside of foot when shooting

Ball travels towards target area 7 out of 10 attempts

Students can explain why they chose to shoot from specific positions

Demonstrates understanding of goalkeeper positioning

Key Teaching Points

Non-kicking foot placed next to ball for stability and accuracy
Body weight over the ball to keep shots low and controlled
Use inside of foot for accuracy, laces for power
Pick target area before shooting, aim for corners away from goalkeeper
Timing of through balls crucial for creating shooting opportunities
First-time shooting gives goalkeepers less time to react
Communication between partners essential for successful combination play

Common Misconceptions

Students think power is more important than accuracy - emphasise placement over force
Believing they should always shoot when they get the ball - teach decision-making about when to shoot
Assuming the centre of goal is the best target - explain why corners are more effective
Thinking they need to stop the ball before shooting - encourage first-time shots when appropriate
Believing goalkeepers can save everything - show how good placement beats goalkeepers

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual timetable of activities, quiet zones available, predictable activity structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of goal positions, buddy system for guidance, sound cues for shooting

hearing impairment

Visual signals for number calling, demonstration of all techniques, written or picture instruction cards, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Seated shooting from wheelchair, larger goals for easier success, modified equipment sizing, adjusted distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of shooting, measuring distances to goal, counting successful shots, geometric shapes of playing areas

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory and gravity effects, energy transfer from foot to ball

Geography

Directions and positioning on pitch, spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success and supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position in square allowing visibility of all four goals and shooting activities

Observation Focus

Shooting technique, target selection, cooperation between partners, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when technique significantly incorrect, safety issues arise, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students in modelling, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Plant and point!'
•'Pick your corner!'
•'Body over the ball!'
•'Follow through to target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 25m for square setup, clear run-off areas around goals

Surface Check

Flat, even surface free from holes, glass, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Goals stable and securely positioned
•Cones with rounded edges, no sharp points
•Goalkeeping gloves clean and well-fitting

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during shooting
•Trips or falls during rapid direction changes
•Goalkeeper injuries from close-range shots

Risk Mitigation

•Clear shooting zones and safety distances established
•Goalkeepers positioned appropriately with protection
•Controlled shooting power appropriate for age group
•Clear signals for starting and stopping activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all four shooting areas simultaneously
•Monitor goalkeeper safety and rotation
•Watch for student fatigue and maintain engagement
•Ensure equipment remains in safe condition

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed