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Lesson 3 - Refining Passing and Receiving

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 master passing and moving to keep possession and control the game?

Learning Objectives

To refine passing and receiving skills in dynamic situations
To apply passing and moving skills to maintain possession effectively
To understand tactical decision-making in mini game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate passing technique with consistent ball control
Students will successfully apply passing and moving skills to outwit defenders
Students will show understanding of space creation and tactical awareness in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per pair (15)

Distributed around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls for control practice

Coloured Cones

20-30

Used to create gates and mark playing areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or bibs

Bibs

15 (one colour)

To distinguish teams in possession games

Alternative: Different coloured tops

Markers

8 markers

Create end zones for directional games

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or rope

Key Vocabulary

Passing

Kicking the ball accurately to a teammate to maintain possession

Receiving

Controlling the ball when it comes from a teammate's pass

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Space

Areas on the pitch where there are no opponents

First Touch

The first contact with the ball when receiving a pass

Support

Moving to help a teammate who has the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Static passing with inside of foot
Understanding of space in games

Current Skills

Dynamic passing and receiving
Passing under pressure
Creating and using space effectively
Tactical decision-making in possession

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations
Switching play to exploit space
Defending and pressing tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent first touch control

Accurate passing under pressure

Quick decision-making in possession

Effective communication during play

Key Teaching Points

Non-kicking foot placement beside ball is crucial for accuracy and power
Inside of foot gives most control for passing in this age group
Movement after passing creates space and new passing opportunities
Communication is essential for successful team possession play
Quick decision-making improves with practice and confidence
Supporting teammates without the ball is as important as passing skills
Positive encouragement helps maintain team morale and individual confidence

Common Misconceptions

Students think they need to kick the ball hard for it to be a good pass - emphasise accuracy over power
Many believe they should always run with the ball rather than pass - explain when passing is better option
Some students think they've finished their job after passing - teach importance of continued movement
Children often focus only on the player with the ball - teach off-ball movement and positioning
Students may think football is only about individual skills - emphasise team cooperation and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between static activities

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, reduced complexity in multi-step skills, extra practice time, patient encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet timeout space available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated passing options, use lighter balls, modify distances, provide support for standing activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, expressing ideas clearly, using sports vocabulary, describing strategies

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances between players, calculating angles for passing

Science

Understanding forces when kicking, friction between ball and surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, communication skills, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around area perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, tactical understanding, and positive social interaction

Intervention Points

["Step in if safety rules are broken", "Provide individual technique coaching as needed", "Facilitate team discussions if conflicts arise", "Adjust challenges based on group success rates"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills clearly from front-on position, use students to model when appropriate, emphasise key technique points visually

Verbal Cues

•'Non-kicking foot beside the ball!'
•'Look up before you pass!'
•'Move to help your teammate!'
•'Great decision-making!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from debris and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and fit properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Trips and falls when changing direction
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•No sliding tackles or physical contact allowed
•Progressive skill building reduces injury risk
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
•Controlled game pace appropriate for age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor energy levels and intervene if overexertion
•Ensure fair play and safety rules are followed
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required