Lesson 5 - Turning Skills: Drag & Hooks
Individual Control to Team Play
•Year 5
•Football
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How can mastering different turning techniques help you escape from defenders and maintain possession?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to turn using drag back, inside hook and outside hook techniques
- To understand when to select appropriate turning skills in different game situations
- To apply turning skills effectively under pressure from defenders
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate three different turning techniques with increasing control
- Students will show improved decision-making when selecting turning skills
- Students will maintain possession more effectively through skilful turning
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around teaching area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for smaller students, tennis balls for close control practice
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Marker discs, small hoops, or sports spots
Two contrasting colours for possession games
Alternative: Coloured bibs or t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
A turning technique using the sole of the foot to pull the ball backwards before changing direction
A turn using the inside of the foot to hook the ball behind you while pivoting on the standing foot
A turn using the outside of the foot to hook the ball behind you while changing direction
Quickly increasing speed to move away from defenders after completing a turn
Using body movement to deceive opponents about intended direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and dribbling with both feet
- Simple directional changes while dribbling
- Understanding of space and positioning
Current Skills
- Drag back technique using sole of foot
- Inside hook turn with weight transfer
- Outside hook turn and acceleration
- Selecting appropriate turns for game situations
Next Steps
- Combining turns with other skills like step-overs
- Using turns at varying speeds and under greater pressure
- Advanced turning techniques in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise acceleration after turns - this is crucial for escaping defenders effectively
- Encourage use of all three turning techniques to develop unpredictability
- Focus on weight transfer for inside and outside hooks - standing foot supports, other foot turns
- Connect turning skills to game situations - always relate practice to real football scenarios
- Promote decision-making under pressure through progressive practice activities
- Maintain high expectations for respectful behaviour and fair play throughout
- Provide individual feedback on technique while circulating during practice phases
Common Misconceptions
- That turns are only for advanced players - correct by showing how basic turns help all levels escape pressure
- That speed is more important than technique - emphasise control first, then add speed gradually
- That only one foot should be used - encourage practice with both feet for balanced development
- That turns only work when running fast - demonstrate effectiveness at various speeds including slower pace
- That turning is only for attackers - show how defenders can use turns to escape pressing situations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier control, extra practice time, simplified instructions, patient individual support
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, extra processing time
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of techniques, assign buddy for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique cards with pictures
physical disability
- Seated versions using hands instead of feet, modified ball sizes, adapted distances and reduced pressure
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of movement and direction, timing and counting in games, measuring distances for practice areas, spatial geometry concepts
Science
Forces and motion in turning movements, friction between feet and surface, momentum and acceleration principles, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directions and compass points, spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding of space and position
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, respect for others, managing emotions during competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between groups during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique execution, safe movement patterns, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, students are struggling significantly, or unsporting behaviour occurs
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations initially, then show at game speed. Emphasise key contact points and body positioning for each turning technique.
Verbal Cues
- •'Turn away from defenders!'
- •'Accelerate after your turn!'
- •'Use different turns to be unpredictable!'
- •'Communicate with your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, preferably larger for multiple 4v4 games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or hazardous materials
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify team bands are clean and not damaged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during multi-directional movement
- •Slips and falls due to quick turning movements
- •Ball strikes to head or body during passing activities
- •Overexertion during high-intensity game phases
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic practice
- •Controlled defending with no sliding tackles permitted
- •Regular breaks and hydration reminders
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all practice groups
- •Monitor game areas for safe and fair play
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and follow school emergency protocols