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Big Question

How can we use movement and communication to receive the ball effectively in football?

Learning Objectives

  • Work collaboratively to run onto the ball and receive it under control
  • Move towards the ball and receive it whilst maintaining possession
  • Apply passing and receiving skills in game situations to create scoring opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate controlled movement towards the ball during receiving
  • Students will show improved first touch when running onto passes
  • Students will apply receiving skills effectively in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per 2 students (15 total)

Distribute balls around perimeter of practice areas

Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, tennis balls for fine motor practice

Cones
22 cones

Mark out practice squares, playing areas, and goal zones

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural boundaries

Bibs
6 different coloured bibs

Used to differentiate teams in assessment game

Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands

Key Vocabulary

First Touch

The initial contact with the ball when receiving a pass

Running onto the Ball

Moving towards the ball as it travels towards you, timing your run to meet it

Inside of Foot

The part of the foot used for accurate passing and receiving

Communication

Talking to teammates to let them know you want the ball

Space

An area on the pitch where there are no other players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic passing using inside of foot from Year 3
  • Static ball control and first touch
  • Understanding of simple game rules
  • Basic spatial awareness in small groups

Current Skills

  • Running onto the ball whilst maintaining control
  • Calling for the ball and communicating with teammates
  • First touch to keep ball in stride
  • Applying receiving skills in game situations

Next Steps

  • Receiving under pressure from opponents
  • Advanced first touch techniques (outside of foot, chest)
  • Quick passing combinations in games
  • Tactical positioning for receiving

Milestone Indicators

1
Students can receive 7 out of 10 passes without stopping the ball
2
Clear communication heard from all students during practice
3
Successful application of skills in 4v2 game situations
4
Demonstrates understanding through peer coaching

Key Teaching Points

  • Always call clearly for the ball before moving towards it
  • Time your run to meet the ball in your stride, not too early or late
  • Use the inside of your foot for a controlled first touch
  • Keep the ball moving in the same direction as your run
  • Look up after receiving to see passing options
  • Communication is essential for successful team play
  • Move continuously to find space and create passing opportunities

Common Misconceptions

  • Students think they should stop the ball completely when receiving - correct by showing how to cushion ball forward
  • Students believe running fast is more important than timing - emphasise meeting ball at right moment
  • Students assume they should wait for perfect pass - teach them to adjust their movement to help passer
  • Students think only the person with ball needs to move - show how off-ball movement creates space
  • Students believe calling once is enough - encourage continuous communication throughout activity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use high-energy activities, regular movement breaks
dyspraxia
  • Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, use verbal cues for timing
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule, allow quiet space if overwhelmed, maintain consistent rules
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
  • Adapt to seated position if needed, use larger/lighter balls, reduce distances, modify movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Estimating distances for passes, calculating success rates, measuring playing areas, angles of movement

Science

Understanding forces when passing and receiving, friction between foot and ball, impact on body during exercise

Geography

Using directional language (forward, backward, left, right), spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, communication skills, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the area to observe all groups, position to see maximum students during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, good communication, safe play, and student engagement

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is incorrect, safety is compromised, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstrators when possible, show technique slowly then at game speed, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues
  • 'Call for the ball!'
  • 'Run onto it, don't wait!'
  • 'Soft touch with inside of foot!'
  • 'Great communication!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for whole class, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

Even grass or sports hall surface, free from holes, wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check footballs are correctly inflated and not damaged
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify adequate supply of equipment to avoid sharing issues

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during movement activities
  • Slips and falls on grass surface
  • Ball strikes to head or body during passing
  • Overexertion in students with medical conditions
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
  • Adequate spacing maintained between practice groups
  • Progressive skill building from slow to match pace
  • No tackling rule in games to prevent physical contact
  • Regular water breaks if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe maximum number of students
  • Move around groups to provide close supervision
  • Monitor energy levels and participation
  • Watch for any signs of distress or injury
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply first aid knowledge, send for help if needed, keep other students occupied and safe