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Lesson 4 - Passing & Dribbling Skills

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 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

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control

Cones

20-30

Various colours for marking zones and goals

Alternative: Markers or spots

Bibs

10 (3 different colours)

For identifying teams in triple team football

Alternative: Coloured bands

Small Goal

For target practice in extension activities

Alternative: Cones positioned 1m apart

Key Vocabulary

Create space

Making room between yourself and defenders to receive or play the ball

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Close control

Keeping the ball near your feet while dribbling

Support

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

Consistent first touch when receiving

Ability to change direction while maintaining ball control

Making correct decision between passing and dribbling 7/10 times

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