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Lesson 4 - First Touch & Ball Mastery

Individual Control to Team Play

•

Year 5

•

Football

•

45 min

Big Question

How can mastering your first touch transform you from a ball receiver into a ball controller?

Learning Objectives

To develop first touch control using different body parts
To apply first touch skills under pressure in game situations
To understand how first touch creates space and time in football

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved first touch control using feet, thigh, chest and head
Students will successfully direct the ball away from pressure using first touch
Students will show confidence and perseverance when learning new technical skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

30 mixed colours

Various colours needed for target activities

Alternative: Bibs, markers, or other visible boundaries

Team bibs

15 (two colours)

For small-sided games identification

Alternative: Bibs or different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

First touch

The first contact with the ball when receiving it

Cushioning

Absorbing the power from the ball by moving the receiving body part backward

Body positioning

Getting your body in line with the approaching ball

Directional touch

Using first touch to move the ball in a specific direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Simple passing and receiving
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

First touch control with multiple body parts
Cushioning technique to absorb ball power
Directional first touch to move into space

Next Steps

First touch under defensive pressure
One-touch passing combinations
Advanced ball manipulation skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent soft first touch that keeps ball close

Ability to choose appropriate body part before ball arrives

Successful direction of ball away from pressure

Key Teaching Points

Cushioning technique: move body part backward on contact to absorb power
Decision making: choose body part to use while ball is in flight, not after it arrives
Body positioning: get your whole body in line with the approaching ball
Progressive challenge: build confidence with achievable goals before advancing
Spatial awareness: use first touch to move ball into space, away from pressure
Learning mindset: emphasise effort and improvement over immediate success
Safety first: maintain awareness of others and control ball appropriately

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'First touch means stopping the ball dead' - Correction: First touch should move ball with purpose
Misconception: 'Harder contact gives better control' - Correction: Soft, cushioned contact provides superior control
Misconception: 'Only feet are used for first touch' - Correction: Multiple body parts can effectively control the ball
Misconception: 'You have to be naturally talented' - Correction: First touch skills improve with practice and persistence
Misconception: 'First touch is just for receiving' - Correction: First touch is a tactical tool for creating space and time

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks between tasks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, provide additional practice time, offer hand-over-hand guidance

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, offer quiet break space, use consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key words on board

physical disability

Modify activities for seated participation, use larger/softer balls, adjust distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion - understanding how cushioning absorbs energy, cause and effect in ball control

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, understanding concepts of space and movement

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience when learning new skills, supporting others through challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during activities for individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct body positioning, cushioning technique, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students frustrated with new skills, ensure inclusive participation

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations to highlight cushioning movement, involve confident students to demonstrate

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches, like catching an egg!'
•'Get your body behind the ball!'
•'Cushion - move that body part backward!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, additional space for multiple game zones

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are appropriate size and clean

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head during aerial work
•Collisions during small-sided games
•Slips when changing direction quickly
•Equipment trips if left in walkways

Risk Mitigation

•Teach proper heading technique and gradually introduce aerial balls
•Establish clear boundaries and spacing between game areas
•Emphasise controlled movement and awareness of others
•Designate equipment storage areas away from playing zones

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally during star challenges to monitor all students
•Circulate during partner work to ensure safe throwing and receiving
•Monitor game areas for appropriate contact and fair play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required