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Lesson 5 - Attacking Skills and Officiating

Defence to Tournament Play

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Year 5

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Football

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1h 3min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Properly inflated, distributed around playing areas

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control

Cones

Mark out 4 small pitches and boundaries

Alternative: Flat markers or spots

Goals

8 small goals

2 goals per pitch, facing each other

Alternative: Cone goals (2 cones, 2m apart)

Whistles

One per pitch for student referees

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Bibs

16 (2 different colours)

Clear team identification for each game

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams

Key Vocabulary

Attacking

When your team has possession and is trying to score

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule adherence

Possession

Having control of the ball

Shooting Opportunity

A chance to score a goal when in good position

Free Kick

A restart given for rule violations outside the penalty area

Penalty Kick

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

Consistent first-time passing accuracy

Successful 1v1 dribbling situations

Goals scored from team moves

Confident rule application as referee

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