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Big Question

How can we use dribbling to keep possession and create scoring opportunities in football?

Learning Objectives

  • To refine dribbling technique using inside and outside of both feet
  • To understand when and where to dribble to maintain possession
  • To apply dribbling skills under pressure in game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved dribbling control with both feet
  • Students will make tactical decisions about when to dribble
  • Students will maintain possession under defensive pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per student (30)

Placed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs preferred, tennis balls for close control practice

Cones
20-30

Used for boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or tennis balls

Bibs
15 (3 different colours)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Different coloured tops or pinnards

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball under control using the feet while running

Close control

Keeping the ball very near to your feet while moving

Change of direction

Quickly altering the path of movement to avoid defenders

Possession

Having control of the ball and keeping it away from opponents

Pressure

When a defender is close and trying to win the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball control with feet
  • Simple dribbling in straight lines
  • Understanding of football basic rules

Current Skills

  • Refined dribbling with inside and outside of feet
  • Dribbling under pressure from defenders
  • Tactical awareness of when and where to dribble

Next Steps

  • Combining dribbling with passing decisions
  • Advanced dribbling techniques and skills
  • Game application in complex tactical situations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent close control with both feet
2
Ability to change direction quickly while maintaining possession
3
Making correct decisions about when to dribble vs pass

Key Teaching Points

  • Dribbling technique: use inside and outside of both feet with ball close to body
  • Head up awareness: constantly scan for space and defenders while maintaining ball control
  • Decision making: understand when to dribble versus when to pass based on game situation
  • Pressure response: maintain composure and control when challenged by defenders
  • Change of direction: use quick cuts and turns to avoid defenders and find space
  • Both feet development: equal practice and confidence with weaker foot
  • Game application: transfer individual skills into effective team play situations

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: 'I should always dribble when I have the ball' - Correct: Dribble when there's space and opportunity, pass when teammates are better positioned
  • Misconception: 'I only need to use my strong foot' - Correct: Great players can dribble effectively with both feet
  • Misconception: 'Looking at the ball helps me control it better' - Correct: Head up allows you to see space and make better decisions
  • Misconception: 'Dribbling fast means dribbling well' - Correct: Good dribbling means having control and making the right choice of speed
  • Misconception: 'I should dribble towards the defender' - Correct: Dribble into space and away from defensive pressure when possible

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and structure, offer leadership roles for engagement
dyspraxia
  • Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, pair with supportive partner, focus on one skill at a time
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet zones if needed, use consistent language and signals
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available, ensure student can see teacher at all times
physical disability
  • Adapt to seated dribbling where appropriate, use larger or lighter balls, modify distances and area sizes, focus on upper body ball control

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful dribbles, measuring distances covered, calculating angles of movement and direction changes

Science

Understanding forces and friction affecting ball movement, body systems working during exercise, balance and coordination

Geography

Using directional language (north, south, east, west), understanding spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Developing teamwork skills, building resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competitive activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal viewing of all students, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct dribbling technique, safe play during games, signs of good understanding of tactics

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with technique, ensure safety during game phases, provide immediate feedback

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues
  • 'Head up, see the space!'
  • 'Use both feet!'
  • 'Keep it close!'
  • 'Great decision making!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running and ball control activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Bibs checked for tears that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during dribbling activities
  • Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
  • Ball strikes to head or body during practice
  • Overexertion during high-intensity game phases
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and enforced throughout
  • Adequate spacing maintained between students and groups
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
  • Controlled tackling only in advanced groups with clear guidelines

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
  • Monitor high-activity game phases closely
  • Ensure safe tackling technique in advanced groups
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact office if required