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Lesson 5 - Passing Over Distance

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 powerful, accurate passes to move the ball quickly across longer distances and create better attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To pass the ball accurately to players over longer distances using the side of the foot
To work collaboratively and select the best time to use a long pass in game situations
To attempt distance passes in games to progress towards scoring goals

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate side-footed passes over distances of 10-15 metres
Students will make tactical decisions about when to use long passes in small-sided games
Students will show improved power and accuracy in distance passing through proper technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Distribute balls around activity areas, ensure proper inflation

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better handling, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

40-50 cones

Use for marking zones, distances, and game boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or spots

Bibs

15 (half the class)

For team identification in games and activities

Alternative: Different coloured bands or shirts

Posts

4-6 goals

Set up multiple small goals for 3v3 games

Alternative: Cones 2 metres apart, or target zones marked with cones

Key Vocabulary

Distance passing

Passing the ball over longer distances, typically 10-15 metres or more

Follow through

Continuing the kicking motion after contact with the ball to generate power and accuracy

Power generation

Creating force in the pass through proper technique, hip rotation, and follow-through

Zone Master

The defensive player positioned to intercept passes through a designated area

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to use different types of passes based on game situations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic side-footed passing technique over short distances
Understanding of ball control and first touch
Experience with simple passing games and activities

Current Skills

Passing accurately over longer distances (10-15 metres)
Generating power through proper follow-through technique
Making tactical decisions about when to use long passes

Next Steps

Passing with both feet over distance
Driven passes along the ground for speed
Switching play across the field with long passes

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with middle of the ball using inside of foot

Visible follow-through with kicking leg creating power

Successful completion of 8/10 passes over 10-metre distance

Key Teaching Points

Use inside of foot contact for consistency and accuracy in long passes
Generate power through hip rotation and extended follow-through, not just leg swing
Contact middle of ball to keep passes on ground and maintain direction
Look up before passing to assess best target and timing for long passes
Place non-kicking foot level with ball and body facing target for optimal accuracy
Use long passes tactically to switch play and create space, not just for distance
Maintain same basic technique as short passing but with increased power application

Common Misconceptions

That long passes require completely different technique from short passes - emphasise similarities
That power comes only from kicking harder - teach proper follow-through and hip rotation
That long passes should always be used when possible - focus on tactical decision-making
That accuracy becomes less important over distance - stress precision remains crucial
That the ball should be hit higher for distance - reinforce ground passes for control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier contact, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display

physical disability

Seated passing variations, adapted distances, use of hands if necessary for ball contact

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for passing practice, counting successful passes, scoring systems in games

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, energy transfer in kicking, trajectory of passes

Geography

Direction and spatial awareness, understanding of angles in passing

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when skills are challenging, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for technique consistency, tactical decision-making, and positive team interaction

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Side of foot, through the middle!'
•'Follow through for power!'
•'Look up, find space!'
•'Great decision to pass long!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, larger space preferred for games

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, debris, and water. Check for any trip hazards.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Cones in good condition with no sharp edges or cracks
•Goals/targets stable and appropriately sized

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball collisions between activities
•Students running into each other during games
•Strain from powerful kicking motions
•Slips during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between different activity areas
•Emphasis on ground-level passes only
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
•Progressive skill building to avoid overexertion

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor energy levels throughout lesson
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed