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Lesson 1 - Consolidating Possession Skills

Mastery in Individual & Team Play

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Year 6

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Football

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50 min

Big Question

How can we use effective passing, dribbling and moving skills to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities against skilled opponents?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and refine passing, dribbling and moving skills to maintain possession effectively
To demonstrate tactical understanding of when, where and why to pass or dribble
To create and execute attacking moves that lead to scoring opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will apply refined ball control skills with increasing effectiveness
Students will make tactical decisions about passing and dribbling based on game situations
Students will work collaboratively to maintain possession for sustained periods

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Extra balls around pitch perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, futsal balls for better control

Cones

Mark pitch boundaries and zones clearly

Alternative: Flat markers, bibs as markers

Goals

4 small goals or 8 cones

Position goals 20-25m apart depending on space

Alternative: Pop-up goals, cone gates 2m wide

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Clear team identification for 3v3v3 games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Maintaining control of the ball as a team

First Touch

The first contact with the ball to bring it under control

Through Ball

A pass played between or behind defenders to a teammate

Support

Moving to create passing options for the player with the ball

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and receiving techniques from Year 5
Simple dribbling skills with both feet
Understanding of basic attacking and defending principles

Current Skills

Refined passing under pressure
Advanced dribbling with changes of direction
Tactical decision-making in possession
Creating space and scoring opportunities

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play with complex formations
Leadership roles in team organisation
Analysis and improvement of team performance

Milestone Indicators

Consistent first touch control

Quick decision-making under pressure

Effective communication during play

Sustained possession phases of 5+ passes

Key Teaching Points

Head up before making pass or dribble decision - awareness is crucial
Support the player with the ball by moving to create passing angles
First touch should set up the next action - pass or dribble
Communication is vital - call for ball, indicate intentions clearly
Possession is about patience - don't rush attacks, build systematically
Transition quickly when possession changes - immediate reaction required
Quality over quantity - better to make 3 good passes than rush into poor decisions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking possession means keeping the ball forever - explain it's about creating opportunities
Believing only forwards can score - show how possession involves all players contributing
Assuming dribbling is always better than passing - teach situational decision-making
Thinking you can only support when close to ball - demonstrate support from distance
Believing mistakes mean failure - emphasise learning from losing possession

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks when needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, consistent rules throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written game rules displayed

physical disability

Modify to seated ball work or walking pace activities, use larger/lighter balls, adjust pitch sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, calculating team scores, measuring distances for pitch setup, understanding angles for passing

Science

Forces in passing and ball control, friction between ball and surface, momentum in running with ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of areas and boundaries, directional movement

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when losing possession, respecting opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during games to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for possession principles being applied, decision-making quality, and teamwork levels

Intervention Points

Step in if possession breaks down repeatedly, if students show frustration, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples whenever possible, demonstrate decision-making process clearly, show both successful and unsuccessful examples for learning

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, find your pass!'
•'Great support, you're in perfect position!'
•'Think - pass or dribble?'
•'Well done, that was 5 passes!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for main games, 25m x 25m for possession activities

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes, debris or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Goals securely positioned and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dynamic activities
•Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during continuous games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Appropriate spacing enforced during activities
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Progressive skill building reduces injury risk
•No slide tackling permitted in any activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during games
•Monitor fatigue levels particularly in final game section
•Watch for dangerous play and intervene immediately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required