Lesson 5 - Attacking Skills and Officiating
Defence to Tournament Play
•Year 5
•Football
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How can we create scoring opportunities while understanding and applying the rules of football?
Learning Objectives
- Refine attacking skills including passing, dribbling and shooting in game situations
- Develop understanding of football rules and begin to officiate games independently
- Apply tactical awareness to create successful shooting opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate refined passing, dribbling and shooting skills in competitive games
- Students will understand and apply basic football rules as referees
- Students will work as a team to create and finish attacking moves
Equipment & Resources Required
Properly inflated, distributed around playing areas
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control
Mark out 4 small pitches and boundaries
Alternative: Flat markers or spots
2 goals per pitch, facing each other
Alternative: Cone goals (2 cones, 2m apart)
One per pitch for student referees
Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable
Clear team identification for each game
Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams
Key Vocabulary
When your team has possession and is trying to score
Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule adherence
Having control of the ball
A chance to score a goal when in good position
A restart given for rule violations outside the penalty area
A direct shot awarded for serious fouls in the penalty area
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic passing and receiving techniques
- Simple dribbling skills with inside and outside of foot
- Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
- Experience of small-sided games
Current Skills
- Refined passing under pressure
- Tactical dribbling to beat opponents
- Accurate shooting from various positions
- Understanding and applying football rules
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play including formations
- Complex officiating decisions
- Set piece situations
- Tournament play with multiple teams
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise decision-making over perfect technique - when to pass, dribble, or shoot
- Build referee confidence through clear rule explanations and positive reinforcement
- Create authentic game situations where attacking skills must be applied under pressure
- Foster respect for officials and fair play through modelling and expectation setting
- Use questioning to develop tactical understanding - 'Why did you choose to pass there?'
- Connect attacking principles to real football scenarios students can relate to
- Celebrate good officiating as much as good playing skills
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Referees always favour the other team' - Address through fair officiating practice
- Misconception: 'Dribbling is always better than passing' - Show when passing creates better opportunities
- Misconception: 'You must shoot every time you get near goal' - Teach about creating better shooting chances
- Misconception: 'Rules are just guidelines' - Emphasise consistency and fairness in rule application
- Misconception: 'Only the best players can be referees' - Show that understanding rules is different from playing ability
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles and responsibilities, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier control, reduced complexity in skill combinations, extra practice time for motor skills
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet area available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal cues for spatial awareness, buddy system with sighted student
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written rule cards, vibrating signals instead of whistle where possible
physical disability
- Seated or walking-pace versions of activities, modified goals and playing areas, focus on decision-making roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills during games, explaining rules clearly, giving instructions as referee
Maths
Calculating game scores, measuring pitch dimensions, timing game periods, angles for shooting and passing
Science
Understanding forces in kicking, friction between ball and surface, cardiovascular effects of exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding of boundaries and territories, map reading skills
PSHE
Fair play and respect, conflict resolution, leadership skills, personal responsibility and integrity
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position to observe all four games, rotate between pitches to support referees
Observation Focus
Watch for application of attacking skills, quality of officiating decisions, levels of fair play
Intervention Points
Step in if referee needs support, address dangerous play immediately, provide tactical hints during natural breaks
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing skills, involve students in demonstrations, provide positive role models for officiating
Verbal Cues
- •'Great decision making!'
- •'Support your teammate!'
- •'Well officiated!'
- •'Look for space to attack!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple small pitches, clear run-off areas around each pitch
Surface Check
Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes, debris, or wet areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure goals are stable and age-appropriate size
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Test whistles are clean and working properly
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Player collisions during games
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls on surface
- •Overexertion in competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between pitches
- •Adequate space for safe play without interference
- •Student referees manage contact levels
- •Regular water breaks during intense activity
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to oversee all games simultaneously
- •Monitor referee confidence and decision-making
- •Watch for fatigue signs in all students
- •Ensure first aid access is known
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed