Lesson 5 - Step-Over Skills & Possession
Ball Mastery & Tactics
•Year 5
•Football
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How can individual skills like the step-over help our team maintain possession and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between when teams are in possession and when possession is lost
- Challenge themselves as individuals to maintain possession using the step-over technique
- Act as a team to keep possession through accurate passing and movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the step-over technique with increasing control and confidence
- Students will apply possession principles in small-sided games
- Students will work effectively as a team to maintain possession for extended periods
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around practice areas
Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control, tennis balls for skill practice
For marking practice areas and game boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or other visual markers
For distinguishing teams in small-sided games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Key Vocabulary
A skill where you step over or around the ball to fool the defender about which direction you will go
When your team has control of the ball
A defender who stands still and doesn't actively try to tackle
Keeping the ball very near to your feet while moving
Passes made one after another without the opposition touching the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and dribbling skills
- Simple passing and receiving techniques
- Understanding of team possession concepts
Current Skills
- Step-over technique for beating defenders
- Advanced possession play under pressure
- Team coordination for maintaining possession
Next Steps
- Combining step-over with other skills
- Advanced possession in larger games
- Creating and exploiting space in attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Step-over is about deception - sell the fake with your whole body
- Timing is crucial - step over just before the defender commits
- Keep the ball close to your feet throughout the movement
- Use both feet for step-over to become unpredictable
- Decision-making: use step-over when defender is close, pass when teammates are free
- Possession is maintained through both individual skills and team passing
- Communication is essential for effective team possession play
Common Misconceptions
- Step-over always works - emphasise it's one tool among many
- Fancy skills are always better than simple passes - teach appropriate selection
- Only attackers need to maintain possession - all players involved
- Step-over is only for advanced players - all can learn with practice
- Individual skills are more important than team play - balance both elements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls for easier control, reduce complexity of movements, allow extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines and structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written coaching points on display boards
physical disability
- Adapt step-over to seated position, use balloon or larger ball for easier control, modify distances and pressures
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring practice distances, calculating success rates of step-over attempts
Science
Forces involved in changing direction quickly, balance and centre of gravity during step-over movement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills don't work first time, fair play and respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice, position at edge of games for full visibility
Observation Focus
Step-over technique development, decision-making in possession situations, team cooperation and communication
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is dangerous, when students are struggling with understanding, when poor sportsmanship occurs
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate step-over slowly first, then at game speed. Show both successful execution and common mistakes. Use students as examples when appropriate.
Verbal Cues
- •'Step over, push away!'
- •'Sell the fake!'
- •'Keep possession!'
- •'When to pass, when to dribble?'
- •'Quick feet, quick thinking!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for full class, additional 20m x 15m areas for small-sided games
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from hazards and standing water
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are correctly inflated - not too hard or soft
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are in good condition without tears
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during games and possession activities
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Ball strikes during passing practices
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •No slide tackling rule strictly enforced
- •Adequate spacing between practice pairs and game areas
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Regular water breaks in warm weather
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity game areas closely
- •Circulate during partner work to check technique and safety
- •Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact school emergency procedures if needed