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Lesson 5 - Drag Back & Hook Turns

Advanced Techniques & Tactics

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Year 6

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can mastering different turning techniques help us maintain possession and create attacking opportunities in football?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate and apply drag back, inside hook and outside hook turning techniques with control
To select appropriate turning techniques based on game situations and defender positioning
To maintain possession whilst changing direction under pressure from opponents

Key Outcomes

Students will execute three different turning techniques with increasing confidence and accuracy
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by selecting appropriate turns based on game context
Students will show improved ball control and decision-making in possession-based activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around teaching area perimeter for easy collection

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

Cones

Various sizes for different activities - 8 for warm-up boundaries, 16 for skill stations, 6 for game areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or disc cones

Team bibs

Two different colours for 4v4 games, stored in equipment bag

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Drag back

A turning technique using the sole of the foot to pull the ball backwards and change direction

Inside hook

A turn using the inside of the non-standing foot to hook the ball behind the standing foot

Outside hook

A turn using the outside of the foot to hook the ball behind the standing foot

Possession

Having control of the ball and keeping it away from the opposing team

Acceleration

Increasing speed quickly after completing a turn to move away from defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and dribbling skills
Simple direction changes using inside and outside of foot
Understanding of possession and passing concepts

Current Skills

Drag back turning technique with sole of foot
Inside hook turn using inside of non-standing foot
Outside hook turn using outside of foot
Tactical awareness of when to use different turns

Next Steps

Advanced turning combinations and feints
Turning under increased pressure from multiple defenders
Integration of turns into complex attacking moves

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of all three turning techniques

Appropriate selection of turns based on game situation

Smooth acceleration out of turns into space

Key Teaching Points

Demonstrate all three turning techniques clearly with exaggerated movements for visual clarity
Emphasise acceleration away from turns as crucial for tactical effectiveness
Progress from individual practice to pressured game situations systematically
Use specific verbal cues consistently throughout the lesson for technique reinforcement
Connect turning skills to tactical understanding - evading defenders and creating space
Monitor and praise examples of respectful behaviour and good sporting conduct
Ensure adequate spacing and safety during all turning practice activities

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking any direction change counts as a proper turn - emphasise specific techniques
Believing turns are only useful when being tackled - show proactive use to create space
Focusing only on the turn itself without acceleration - stress importance of explosive movement away
Using only dominant foot for all turns - encourage practice with both feet
Rushing through turns without control - emphasise quality over speed initially

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Slower progression through techniques, larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice time and support

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual activity schedule, quiet zones for breaks, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted turning techniques for wheelchair users, modified distances and speeds, alternative roles in team games

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for cone placement, counting consecutive passes, timing activities and calculating success rates

Science

Understanding momentum and direction changes, forces involved in acceleration, body balance and pivot points

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and angles of turns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when learning difficult skills, respect and fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around teaching area perimeter during individual practice, position centrally for demonstrations and discussions

Observation Focus

Monitor ball control quality, turn execution technique, tactical decision-making in games, and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, games becoming too physical, or safety concerns arising

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, show common mistakes and corrections, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Drag the ball back with your sole!'
•'Hook and pivot!'
•'Turn away from the defender!'
•'Accelerate into space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m teaching area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Confirm team bibs are clean and undamaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during turning movements
•Falls due to loss of balance during turns
•Ball strikes from close-range practice
•Overexertion in competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progress from static to dynamic practice gradually
•Monitor defensive pressure in games to prevent dangerous tackles
•Regular water breaks and fatigue monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Move between games during 4v4 to monitor intensity
•Check technique execution during individual practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required