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Lesson 4 - Dribbling & Ball Control

Tactical Attacking & Defending

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Year 4

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use dribbling skills to help our team keep possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Use dribbling skills to progress forward while maintaining ball control
Combine dribbling and passing to benefit team possession
Apply dribbling skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling using inside and outside of foot
Students will show when to dribble versus when to pass in game situations
Students will apply dribbling skills under pressure from defenders

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, soft-touch balls for beginners

Cones

20-25 cones

Use for slalom courses and area boundaries

Alternative: Plastic markers, small obstacles, bean bags

Coloured Bibs

15 (two different colours)

For team identification in possession games

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured t-shirts

Small Goal

3 goals

Position at ends of playing areas for extension activities

Alternative: Cones as goal posts, target areas marked with cones

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward while maintaining close control using different parts of the foot

Inside of foot

Using the inside surface of your foot to control and move the ball

Outside of foot

Using the outside surface of your foot to control and move the ball

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Close control

Keeping the ball near your feet so you can change direction quickly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control using different parts of the foot
Simple passing techniques
Understanding of possession in football

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling using inside and outside of foot
Dribbling around static obstacles
Decision making between dribbling and passing
Dribbling under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques and feints
1v1 attacking and defending skills
Creating and exploiting space in game situations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains close ball control while changing direction

Can look up while dribbling to assess options

Makes appropriate decisions about when to dribble

Shows confidence when dribbling past defenders

Key Teaching Points

Keep the ball close to your feet at all times - within one step distance
Use inside and outside of foot alternately for best control around obstacles
Look up regularly while dribbling to see space and teammates
Go wider when facing pressure from defenders rather than trying to go through them
Make quick decisions between dribbling and passing based on available options
Maintain ball control even when excited or under pressure
Use dribbling to create opportunities for your team, not just individual glory

Common Misconceptions

That dribbling should always be at maximum speed - correct with emphasis on control first
That dribbling is only about individual skill - show how it helps team possession
That you should always try to dribble past defenders - teach when to pass instead
That ball juggling is the same as dribbling - explain difference between airborne and ground control
That only the best players should attempt dribbling - encourage all students to try

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, fidget balls for waiting times, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, patient progression through skills

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, consistent activity structure, quiet zone available if needed, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, use tactile markers for boundaries, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written activity sheets, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapted dribbling using hands for wheelchair users, modified courses with wider gaps, seated versions of activities, different sized balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes to 5, measuring distances for slalom courses, angles of movement around cones, calculating team scores

Science

Forces and friction between ball and foot, body systems working during exercise, balance and coordination

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness when dribbling, mapping movement patterns around obstacles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, perseverance when learning new skills, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around different activities to provide individual feedback, position where you can see all groups during games

Observation Focus

Watch for ball control technique, decision-making in games, effort and attitude, inclusion of all students

Intervention Points

Step in if defenders become too aggressive, help students who are struggling with basic control, mediate any conflicts during games

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing technique, involve confident students in demonstrations, break down complex skills into simple steps

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches!'
•'Look up, find space!'
•'Protect the ball!'
•'Good decision to dribble/pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from debris, holes, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify goals are secure and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during possession games
•Trips and falls when dribbling at speed
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion in warm/hot conditions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups
•Progressive skill building from walking to jogging pace
•Regular water breaks if needed
•Clear rules about physical contact in games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during possession games
•Watch for students showing signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure defenders follow no-tackling rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, provide appropriate first aid or support, seek additional help if needed