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Lesson 2 - Dribbling Under Pressure

Advanced Techniques & Tactics

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Year 6

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we maintain control of the ball when defenders are challenging us?

Learning Objectives

To be able to dribble the ball with increasing control under pressure
To understand when and how to use different parts of the foot for ball control
To develop decision-making skills when facing defensive pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control when facing defensive pressure
Students will show understanding of spatial awareness and when to accelerate or slow down
Students will apply tactical decision-making in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around playing area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for smaller students, tennis balls for fine motor skill development

Cones

20-25

Mark boundaries, create boxes, and designate specific areas

Alternative: Spot markers, rugby balls as markers

Team bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Separate into attackers, defenders, and neutral for different activities

Alternative: Coloured pinnies, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward while maintaining close control using feet

Under Pressure

When defenders are close and challenging for possession

Soft Touches

Gentle, controlled contact with the ball to maintain possession

Close Control

Keeping the ball within playing distance to prevent defenders winning it

Space

Areas on the field where there are no defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and dribbling technique
Understanding of different parts of the foot
Experience with simple dribbling activities

Current Skills

Dribbling under pressure
Decision-making with the ball
Tactical awareness in defensive situations

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques and skills
Combination play and passing under pressure
Small-sided game tactics

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control when challenged by defenders

Shows improvement in decision-making speed

Demonstrates understanding of when to take risks vs play safe

Key Teaching Points

Keep the ball close to your feet when defenders are near
Use soft touches to maintain control under pressure
Scan for space and make quick decisions
Use your body to protect the ball from defenders
Practice with all parts of your foot to become unpredictable
Stay calm and composed when facing defensive pressure
Communication and teamwork are essential in games

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must always dribble fast - teach when to slow down for control
Belief that only one foot part should be used - encourage variety and unpredictability
Assumption that bigger touches make you faster - demonstrate efficiency of close control
Thinking defenders are 'enemies' - emphasise respect and fair competition
Misconception that losing the ball means failure - frame as learning opportunity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, extra practice time for motor skills, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet break area available, predictable routine structure, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for navigation, audio cues for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for key commands, written activity cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Seated dribbling options, adapted ball sizes, modified rules for mobility differences, peer support partnerships

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry through movement patterns, counting touches and time, measuring distances

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, balance and coordination, physical effects of exercise on body

Geography

Directional language, mapping movement patterns, understanding of space and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect and fair play, emotional regulation under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of area to observe all students, position at corners during games for best visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for technique application under pressure, decision-making quality, and fair play behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with pressure, safety concerns arise, or rules need clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, ensure all students can see, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches when defenders are near!'
•'Keep your head up to find space!'
•'Protect the ball with your body!'
•'Well done for fair play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for main activities, additional smaller areas for 3v3 games

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or sports hall surface free from holes, debris, or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands/bibs are clean and tear-free

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Falls when changing direction or under pressure
•Ball strikes to head or body during close play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and communicated
•Adequate spacing between simultaneous activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled movement and fair play
•Regular safety reminders during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move between groups during multiple activities
•Monitor physical contact levels in games
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed