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Lesson 1 - Passing and Moving into Space

Skills to Team Strategy

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Year 5

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Football

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Big Question

How can I use passing and movement to create space and maintain possession in football?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate controlled dribbling with both feet using various surfaces of the foot
To execute accurate passes using correct technique and follow through
To link passing and moving skills together in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate skill and close control when dribbling
Students will pass the ball accurately and move into space
Students will link skills to perform actions and sequences of movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20 (approximately 1 per 2 students)

Distributed around circle perimeter for warm-up

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 balls, tennis balls for reduced pace

Cones

20-30

Mark out circles, squares and game areas

Alternative: Markers, bibs, tennis balls

Bibs

15 (5 each of 3 colours)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands

Small Goal

Set up three separate 5v5 game areas

Alternative: Cones as goalposts, playground markings

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using small touches with your feet

Pass and Move

Playing the ball to a teammate then immediately moving into space

First Touch

The first contact with the ball when receiving a pass

Space

Areas on the pitch where there are no opponents

One-Two

A quick passing combination between two players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Simple passing with inside of foot
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with both feet
Pass and move combinations
Anticipation and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques
Tactical awareness in games
Creating and exploiting space

Milestone Indicators

Consistent first touch control

Accurate passing under pressure

Effective movement off the ball

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate skills at slow speed first, then build to match pace
Use inside of foot for passing accuracy and control
Encourage students to keep head up when dribbling for awareness
Emphasise immediate movement after passing - 'pass and move'
Praise both successful skill execution and good decision making
Create positive learning environment where mistakes are learning opportunities
Link skills together in sequences rather than practicing in isolation

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dribbling means using only the toes - teach use of all foot surfaces
Believing passing is just about power - emphasise accuracy and weight of pass
Assuming good players don't need to move after passing - stress continuous movement
Thinking games are just about winning - focus on skill application and improvement
Believing only the 'best' players should get the ball - encourage inclusive team play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of movement, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for stop/start, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated passing variations, larger goals, modified distances, use of hands if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in sequences, measuring distances for game areas, angles for passing direction

Science

Forces in kicking, friction between ball and surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills are challenging, leadership during games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to provide feedback, position at corner of game areas for best visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, movement off the ball, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique breaks down, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion demonstrations first, then match pace. Get students to copy immediately after seeing demonstration.

Verbal Cues

•'Head up when dribbling!'
•'Pass and move immediately!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Use the inside of your foot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, stones or debris that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Small goals securely positioned and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Trips and falls on uneven surface
•Overexertion during games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue
•Emphasis on controlled movement and awareness of others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three game areas
•Monitor high-activity central areas during warm-up
•Check for signs of overheating or exhaustion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, send for help if needed