Lesson 1 - Running onto the Ball to Receive
Tactical Attacking & Defending
•Year 4
•Football
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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
Distribute balls around perimeter of practice areas
Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, tennis balls for fine motor practice
Mark out practice squares, playing areas, and goal zones
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural boundaries
Used to differentiate teams in assessment game
Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands
Key Vocabulary
The initial contact with the ball when receiving a pass
Moving towards the ball as it travels towards you, timing your run to meet it
The part of the foot used for accurate passing and receiving
Talking to teammates to let them know you want the ball
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
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