Lesson 1 - Dribbling with Control
Advanced Techniques & Tactics
•Year 6
•Football
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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
Distributed around area perimeter before lesson starts
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for younger students, tennis balls for close control practice
Various sizes for different activities - tall cones for boundaries, small cones for markers
Alternative: Markers, spots, or playground equipment
Different colours for attackers and defenders in possession games
Alternative: Coloured cones, shirts, or natural team selection
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball with your feet while maintaining close control
Keeping the ball near your feet so you can change direction quickly
Gentle contact with the ball to maintain control
Having control of the ball for your team
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
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