Lesson 4 - Passing & Dribbling Skills
Possession Play & Team Tactics
•Year 4
•Football
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How can we use passing and dribbling together to outwit opponents and keep possession?
Learning Objectives
- Develop passing and dribbling skills to create space and maintain possession
- Understand the transition between attack and defence in game situations
- Apply tactical awareness when combining passing and dribbling against defenders
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to combine passing and dribbling effectively to beat defenders
- Students will demonstrate understanding of when to pass versus when to dribble
- Students will show improved decision-making in attacking situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control
Various colours for marking zones and goals
Alternative: Markers or spots
For identifying teams in triple team football
Alternative: Coloured bands
For target practice in extension activities
Alternative: Cones positioned 1m apart
Key Vocabulary
Making room between yourself and defenders to receive or play the ball
Having control of the ball as a team
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
Keeping the ball near your feet while dribbling
Positioning yourself to help a teammate with the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic passing technique with inside of foot
- Simple dribbling using both feet
- Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Current Skills
- Combining passing and dribbling in sequence
- Creating space through movement and ball control
- Making tactical decisions under pressure
Next Steps
- Advanced passing combinations in small-sided games
- Shooting after creating space
- Team tactics and formations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Head up when dribbling to see passing options and space ahead
- Pass to teammate's feet for easy control, not into space they can't reach
- Keep ball close to feet when dribbling for better control under pressure
- Communicate clearly with teammates - call for ball when in good position
- Make quick decisions based on what you see - space ahead means dribble, teammate in better position means pass
- Support your teammate with the ball by moving to good positions
- Stay calm under pressure and think before acting
Common Misconceptions
- Dribbling is always better than passing - clarify that both skills are important depending on situation
- You need to use lots of power when passing - emphasise accuracy and appropriate weight
- Good players never lose the ball - explain that taking risks and learning from mistakes is part of improvement
- Only fast players can be good at football - highlight that decision-making and technique are equally important
- Defending means tackling hard - teach that positioning and patience are more effective defending strategies
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use high-interest competitive elements
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual timetable of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of setup, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt to seated/standing position, use larger lighter balls, modify distances and space requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes, calculating success rates, measuring distances for tactical positioning
Science
Understanding forces in passing, friction between ball and ground, body systems during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding of direction and positioning on field
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for successful passing/dribbling combinations, safe defending, and positive communication
Intervention Points
Step in if defending becomes too aggressive, students show signs of frustration, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use confident students to demonstrate good examples, show both successful and learning examples, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Head up to see your options!'
- •'Keep the ball close when dribbling!'
- •'Pass to feet, not into space!'
- •'Communicate with your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Flat, dry surface free from holes or debris, appropriate for running and ball control
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated (not over-inflated)
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Trips and falls when changing direction
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion in warm weather
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and zones marked with cones
- •Adequate spacing between groups during activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •No slide tackling or aggressive physical contact
- •Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups during activities
- •Monitor intensity levels throughout lesson
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and safe defending techniques
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed