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Lesson 3 - Shooting & Attacking Play

Skills to Team Strategy

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Year 5

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Football

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Big Question

How do we choose the right shooting technique to score goals in different game situations?

Learning Objectives

To identify and apply appropriate shooting techniques for different situations
To maintain ball control when running at defenders under pressure
To understand and apply defensive principles to make attacking more difficult

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate three different shooting techniques with accuracy
Students will show improved ball control when dribbling past opponents
Students will apply appropriate defensive positioning and pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Distributed around area perimeters for quick access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for younger students, tennis balls for skill development

Cones

40-50 cones

Mixed colours for different area markings and goal posts

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Small Goal

6-8 portable goals

Positioned in corners and various locations for shooting practice

Alternative: Cone goals 2 yards wide, or target areas marked with cones

Bibs

15 bibs in 3 different colours

For distinguishing teams and roles during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Shooting technique

The specific method used to strike the ball towards goal

Dribbling

Moving with the ball while maintaining close control

Jockeying

Defensive technique of staying goal-side while backing off to delay the attacker

Change of pace

Varying speed to unbalance opponents

First touch

The initial contact with the ball when receiving a pass

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 skills
Understanding of basic football rules
Experience with 1v1 situations

Current Skills

Advanced shooting technique selection
Dribbling under defensive pressure
Defensive positioning and pressure application
Game situation decision-making

Next Steps

Crossing and finishing combinations
Advanced defensive tactics
Team attacking patterns
Match situation awareness

Milestone Indicators

Selects appropriate shooting technique 8/10 times

Successfully beats defender in 1v1 situations

Applies effective defensive pressure consistently

Demonstrates good sportsmanship throughout

Key Teaching Points

Shooting technique selection depends on distance, angle, and goalkeeper position
First touch control is crucial for setting up successful shooting opportunities
Good sportsmanship includes accepting referee decisions and celebrating others' success
Dribbling under pressure requires close ball control and change of pace
Defensive pressure should make attackers' decisions more difficult without fouling
Communication between players improves team performance and individual skill development
Practice makes permanent - focus on correct technique over power initially

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy in shooting - address by emphasising placement first
Believing only strong foot should be used - encourage both feet development consistently
Assuming defenders should always try to tackle - teach jockeying and pressure application
Thinking first touch doesn't matter if you can still shoot - demonstrate importance of good preparation
Believing sportsmanship is separate from skill - integrate fair play into all activities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, reduced complexity of movements, extra practice time, step-by-step movement breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and signals, written instruction cards, use of vibrant hand gestures, clear lip reading positions

physical disability

Seated shooting practice, modified goals/targets, lighter balls, reduced area sizes, alternative equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, vocabulary development, following and giving instructions

Science

Forces in kicking, trajectory of ball flight, impact and momentum in striking

PSHE

Teamwork, accepting decisions, resilience when missing shots, leadership during games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to observe all students, position for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for shooting technique selection, sportsmanship behaviours, safety in ball striking

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is dangerous, poor sportsmanship occurs, or students appear fatigued

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, exaggerate key teaching points, show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Choose your technique!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Keep the ball close!'
•'Think about your first touch!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m total area for all activities, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from hazards, holes, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure goals are stable and safely positioned
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during game play
•Slips and falls during shooting and dribbling
•Ball strikes to other students
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between different practice areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular water breaks during intensive activities
•Appropriate footwear checks before activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility across all three game areas
•Move between stations during skill development
•Monitor shooting areas for ball collection safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue during high-intensity work

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required