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Lesson 1 - Dribbling with Control

Advanced Techniques & Tactics

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Year 6

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can I keep control of the ball while moving at speed and under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop dribbling the ball with increasing control under pressure
To use different parts of the foot effectively when changing direction
To demonstrate determination and collaboration when gaining and maintaining possession

Key Outcomes

Students will dribble with close control using various parts of the foot
Students will maintain possession under defensive pressure
Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness while dribbling

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter before lesson starts

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

Cones

Various sizes for different activities - tall cones for boundaries, small cones for markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, or playground equipment

Team bibs

12 (2 colours)

Different colours for attackers and defenders in possession games

Alternative: Coloured cones, shirts, or natural team selection

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with your feet while maintaining close control

Close control

Keeping the ball near your feet so you can change direction quickly

Soft touches

Gentle contact with the ball to maintain control

Possession

Having control of the ball for your team

Pressure

When opponents are close and trying to win the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with stationary ball
Simple kicking and passing techniques
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Dribbling with close control
Using different parts of the foot
Maintaining possession under pressure

Next Steps

Dribbling at speed with defenders
Advanced 1v1 attacking skills
Combination play with dribbling and passing

Milestone Indicators

Consistent close control with head up

Effective use of inside, outside, and sole of foot

Successful completion of dribbling challenges under time pressure

Key Teaching Points

Maintain close ball control with soft, frequent touches
Keep head up to scan for space and avoid collisions
Use different parts of foot for different purposes - inside for control, outside for direction change
Protect ball with body when under defensive pressure
Make good decisions about when to dribble and when to pass to teammates
Show determination and resilience when losing possession
Work collaboratively with teammates in game situations

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder kicks give better control - emphasise soft touches
Believing you must always keep the ball - teach when to pass
Using only dominant foot - encourage both feet equally
Watching ball constantly - stress importance of head up position
Giving up after losing ball - develop resilience and determination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity periods, clear boundaries, regular position changes and movement

dyspraxia

Larger footballs, reduced complexity in multi-step instructions, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured footballs, verbal cues for direction and space, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for stop/start, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated dribbling versions, larger balls for easier control, modified game areas

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful dribbles, measuring distances in game areas, understanding angles of direction change

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, friction between foot and ball, body balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and navigation around playing area, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during individual practice, central position for group activities

Observation Focus

Watch for ball control improvement, spatial awareness, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic control or unsafe play develops

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches!' when students kick too hard
•'Head up!' when students focus only on ball
•'Find space!' during possession activities
•'Protect your ball!' when under pressure

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, and wet areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp or broken edges
•Verify team bands are clean and not torn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling activities
•Slips and falls on unsuitable surfaces
•Ball strikes from poor control or kicks

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Adequate spacing between students during individual practice
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility and quick intervention

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally during possession games for maximum oversight
•Monitor high-activity areas during transitions
•Maintain clear sight lines to all students throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed