Lesson 4 - First Touch Control
Advanced Techniques & Tactics
•Year 6
•Football
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How can mastering first touch control transform your football game and help you stay ahead of defenders?
Learning Objectives
- To develop first touch control using different parts of the body
- To control the ball with increasing precision under pressure
- To use first touch to direct the ball away from defenders into space
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved first touch control using foot, thigh, chest and head
- Students will show the ability to direct the ball purposefully on first touch
- Students will apply first touch skills effectively in game situations under pressure
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for smaller hands, deflated balls for easier control practice
Various colours needed for directional control activities
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags for target practice
For distinguishing teams in small-sided games
Alternative: Different coloured shirts or simple armbands
Key Vocabulary
The initial contact with the ball when receiving it from a pass or loose ball
Reducing the power of the ball by moving the body part backwards on contact
Using first touch to deliberately move the ball in a chosen direction
Getting your body in line with the approaching ball for optimal control
Areas on the pitch where there are no opponents, allowing safe ball control
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 techniques
- Understanding of personal space and movement
Current Skills
- First touch control using multiple body parts
- Cushioning technique to absorb ball power
- Directional control to move ball into space
Next Steps
- Advanced ball manipulation under pressure
- Combination play linking first touch with immediate action
- Reading game situations to choose optimal first touch
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- First touch is about direction and purpose, not just control
- Cushioning technique absorbs ball energy through backward movement
- Early decision-making about body part selection while ball is in flight
- Body positioning and balance are crucial for effective first touch
- Learning new skills requires patience, persistence and positive attitude
- First touch creates time and space away from defensive pressure
- Movement with the ball after first touch is more effective than static control
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'First touch is just about stopping the ball' - Actually: First touch should move ball purposefully into space
- Misconception: 'Harder contact gives better control' - Actually: Cushioning with gentle contact provides superior control
- Misconception: 'Only feet matter for ball control' - Actually: Thigh, chest and head are equally important control surfaces
- Misconception: 'Learning should be immediate and easy' - Actually: Skill development requires time, practice and persistence
- Misconception: 'Mistakes mean you're not good at football' - Actually: Mistakes are essential part of learning process
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, allow extra practice time, focus on one body part at a time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured footballs and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, ensure buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for key instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapt to seated position for upper body control, use larger/softer balls, reduce distances and pressure requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of body parts affecting ball direction, counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for partner activities
Science
Forces and motion in ball control, momentum and energy transfer during cushioning, body mechanics and balance
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction, understanding of personal and general space, map-like thinking for field positioning
PSHE
Perseverance and resilience when learning difficult skills, teamwork and communication, dealing with frustration and mistakes
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for cushioning technique, body positioning, and decision-making under pressure
Intervention Points
Step in when safety concerns arise, technique needs correction, or students show frustration
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, contrast good vs poor technique, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft touches, cushion the ball!'
- •'Get in line with the ball!'
- •'Move with the ball, don't just control it!'
- •'Decide quickly which body part to use!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, additional space for multiple practice zones
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, glass, or sharp objects
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp or broken edges
- •Verify team bands are not torn or have sharp clasps
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face during throwing activities
- •Collisions during small-sided games
- •Slips and falls on potentially wet surfaces
- •Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing technique demonstrated to avoid head strikes
- •Adequate space between activity areas
- •Progressive skill building to avoid frustration injuries
- •Regular hydration breaks if needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activity areas
- •Monitor throwing activities for safety compliance
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure equipment remains within designated areas
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required