Lesson 3 - Shooting & Attacking Play
Skills to Team Strategy
•Year 5
•Football
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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
Distributed around area perimeters for quick access
Alternative: Size 4 balls for younger students, tennis balls for skill development
Mixed colours for different area markings and goal posts
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines
Positioned in corners and various locations for shooting practice
Alternative: Cone goals 2 yards wide, or target areas marked with cones
For distinguishing teams and roles during activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Key Vocabulary
The specific method used to strike the ball towards goal
Moving with the ball while maintaining close control
Defensive technique of staying goal-side while backing off to delay the attacker
Varying speed to unbalance opponents
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
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