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Lesson 1 - Dribbling & Passing Skills

Defence to Tournament Play

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Year 5

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Football

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Big Question

How can we combine dribbling and passing skills to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To recap and refine dribbling and passing techniques from Year 4
To combine dribbling and passing skills effectively to maintain possession
To develop tactical understanding of when, where and why to pass or dribble

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in passing and ball control
Students will show effective decision-making between passing and dribbling
Students will work collaboratively to maintain possession for sustained periods

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 footballs, tennis balls for control practice

Cones

20-30

Mark out three horizontal zones and goals

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

6 (two colours)

Distinguish attackers from defenders clearly

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands

Goals

Positioned at each end of the pitch

Alternative: Cones 2m apart, wall targets, or marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

First Touch

The first contact with the ball when receiving a pass

Support

Moving to help a teammate who has the ball

Space

Areas on the pitch free from opponents

Decision Making

Choosing the best option available (pass, dribble, or shoot)

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing techniques from Year 4
Fundamental dribbling skills
Understanding of space and movement

Current Skills

Combining passing and dribbling in game situations
Decision-making under pressure
Tactical awareness in possession games

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play with positional understanding
Creating and finishing scoring opportunities
Defensive transition and pressing

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 6+ consecutive passes

Makes correct pass/dribble decisions 70% of the time

Demonstrates leadership in team possession play

Key Teaching Points

Decision-making between passing and dribbling is based on available options and game situation
Possession is maintained through movement, communication, and patience rather than individual skill alone
First touch should take ball away from pressure towards next available option
Supporting players must constantly move to create passing angles for ball carrier
Team success depends on every player fulfilling their role whether they have the ball or not
Mistakes are learning opportunities - encourage risk-taking in appropriate situations
Quality of pass selection is more important than pass completion percentage

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they must always pass immediately when receiving the ball - teach them to assess options first
Believing that dribbling is always selfish - show when it creates better opportunities for the team
Assuming faster passing is always better - emphasise timing and weight of passes
Thinking possession means keeping the ball forever - teach about creating scoring opportunities
Players believing they can't help when they don't have the ball - stress importance of movement and support

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and simple instructions

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of decision-making initially, provide extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and positions, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions on cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify to seated or walking pace games, use larger balls for easier handling, adapt zones to accessibility needs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, giving clear directions to teammates, descriptive language for tactics

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, calculating success rates, understanding angles for optimal passing

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, effect of body position on accuracy, cardiovascular response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of zones and areas, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when making mistakes, communication and leadership skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for decision-making quality, skill execution under pressure, teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when students need tactical guidance, or when differentiation is needed

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples whenever possible, demonstrate slowly first then at game speed, emphasise key coaching points visually

Verbal Cues

•'Head up - what options do you have?'
•'Pass and move immediately!'
•'Take your time - make good decisions!'
•'Use your teammates - they're there to help!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris and standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify goals are stable and safely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during possession games
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion during extended game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and zones established to control player movement
•Adequate spacing between different group activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex scenarios
•Regular rest breaks and hydration opportunities
•Emphasis on controlled defending rather than aggressive tackling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during multi-activity phases
•Monitor high-intensity areas like goal zones for increased collision risk
•Watch for signs of fatigue during extended possession games

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid response, contact school medical support if needed