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Lesson 2 - Dribbling Under Pressure

Individual Control to Team Play

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Year 5

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we maintain ball control when defenders are trying to win possession?

Learning Objectives

To be able to dribble the ball under pressure with increasing control
To develop decision-making skills when faced with defensive pressure
To understand when to use different parts of the foot for ball control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control when defenders apply pressure
Students will show tactical awareness by making appropriate decisions with the ball
Students will use various parts of the foot effectively to maintain possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for smaller feet, tennis balls for close control practice

Cones

Used to mark boundaries and create activity zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Team bibs

15 (3 colours, 5 each)

For identifying teams and defenders in activities

Alternative: Coloured bibs or different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball using small touches with different parts of the foot while maintaining control

Pressure

When a defender is close enough to challenge for possession of the ball

Ball control

The ability to receive, hold and move the ball using various parts of the foot

Space awareness

Understanding where there is room to move on the pitch

Close control

Keeping the ball very near to your feet when defenders are nearby

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control using inside and outside of foot
Simple dribbling in unopposed situations
Understanding of basic football rules and fair play

Current Skills

Dribbling under defensive pressure
Using all parts of the foot for ball control
Decision-making in 1v1 situations

Next Steps

Dribbling in tight spaces with multiple defenders
Advanced dribbling techniques and feints
Combining dribbling with passing and shooting

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 5+ seconds under pressure

Successfully changes direction to avoid defender

Makes appropriate decision between dribbling and passing

Key Teaching Points

Use different parts of the foot (inside, outside, sole, laces) for varied ball control
Keep the ball close to feet when defenders apply pressure
Push the ball further ahead when space is available from defenders
Maintain bent knees and balanced body position for better control
Make quick decisions between dribbling, passing, and protecting the ball
Use body to shield the ball from defenders without making contact
Develop spatial awareness to recognise pressure and space situations

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must always dribble forward in straight lines - teach direction changes and backwards movement
Belief that only strong foot should be used - emphasise both feet development
Assumption that bigger touches are faster - demonstrate control benefits of smaller touches
Thinking that physical contact with defenders is acceptable - reinforce no-contact rules
Misconception that looking down at ball is necessary - encourage head up play
Belief that dribbling is always better than passing - teach decision-making about when to do each

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, offer step-by-step guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, give advance warning of activity changes, offer quiet space if needed, use visual schedule

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and activities, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Adapt to seated play with hands if needed, use larger/softer balls, modify rules for accessibility, adjust playing area size

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during tactical discussions, vocabulary development with football terms, listening skills during instructions

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry through movement patterns, counting touches and passes, measuring distances for game areas

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, friction between ball and surface, body systems during exercise and pressure situations

Geography

Directional language and spatial concepts, mapping movement around playing area, understanding of space and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions under pressure, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all activities, move closer to pressure situations, rotate between game areas

Observation Focus

Watch for skill application under pressure, decision-making quality, fair play and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if challenges become unfair, support struggling students, manage over-competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Show correct technique clearly, exaggerate key points for visibility, use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Ball close when defenders near!'
•'Use the space when you have it!'
•'Soft touches for control!'
•'Well done for fair play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for main activities, additional space for multiple game areas

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are not frayed or torn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling
•Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Over-competitive behaviour leading to contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between activities and students
•Emphasis on no physical contact during defending
•Progressive skill building from unopposed to opposed
•Regular breaks to prevent fatigue-related incidents

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor pressure activities closely for fair play
•Move between groups during game situations
•Watch for signs of frustration or over-competitiveness

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed