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Lesson 5 - Turning Skills: Drag & Hooks

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 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

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around teaching area perimeter for easy access

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

Cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Marker discs, small hoops, or sports spots

Team bibs

16 (2 sets of 8)

Two contrasting colours for possession games

Alternative: Coloured bibs or t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Drag back

A turning technique using the sole of the foot to pull the ball backwards before changing direction

Inside hook

A turn using the inside of the foot to hook the ball behind you while pivoting on the standing foot

Outside hook

A turn using the outside of the foot to hook the ball behind you while changing direction

Acceleration

Quickly increasing speed to move away from defenders after completing a turn

Body feint

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

Smooth execution of all three turning techniques

Quick decision-making when selecting turns

Effective use of turns in game situations

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