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Lesson 2 - Ball Control and Team Possession

Tactical Mastery & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

How can we use different dribbling speeds and teamwork to keep possession against defenders?

Learning Objectives

To combine dribbling and passing skills to maintain team possession
To demonstrate leadership and decision-making in game situations
To apply tactical awareness when attacking and defending

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully combine skills to retain possession in competitive situations
Students will demonstrate leadership through communication and tactical decisions
Students will show improved ball control with head up awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

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

Cones

20-30

Mark out lanes, areas, and end zones clearly

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (3 colours)

Distinguish teams and roles clearly in games

Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands

Key Vocabulary

Tempo

The speed or pace at which you move with the ball

Possession

Keeping control of the ball as a team

Getting free

Moving away from a defender to receive the ball or create space

Leadership

Guiding and encouraging teammates to work together effectively

End zone

The scoring area at each end of the playing field

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with inside and outside of foot
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of space and possession

Current Skills

Variable tempo dribbling
Getting free from defenders
Combining skills under pressure
Leadership in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced 1v1 attacking moves
Complex passing combinations
Tactical formations and roles

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control under pressure

Effective decision-making between dribbling and passing

Clear leadership communication during games

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise heads-up play during all dribbling activities for safety and effectiveness
Model and reward positive leadership communication throughout the lesson
Progress systematically from individual skills to team application under pressure
Balance skill development with tactical understanding in possession play
Celebrate both effort and achievement to maintain motivation and inclusivity
Use specific, constructive feedback to help students improve during activities
Maintain high activity levels while ensuring adequate rest and reflection time

Common Misconceptions

That dribbling means always running at top speed - teach tempo variation and control
That leadership means being the loudest - emphasise supportive and tactical communication
That keeping possession means never taking risks - teach when to be safe vs when to attack
That individual skills are more important than team play - demonstrate how they combine
That making mistakes means you're not improving - celebrate learning from errors

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use clear boundaries and structured activities

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls initially, reduce complexity of skills, provide extra practice time, focus on effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routines, use visual schedules, create quiet zones if needed, maintain consistent expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted peer partners for guidance

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Adapt to seated dribbling where appropriate, modify area sizes, use lighter balls, adjust game rules for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing communication skills, using precise vocabulary to describe tactics, listening and following complex instructions

Maths

Calculating areas for game zones, timing activities and possession sequences, measuring distances for tactical positioning

Science

Understanding forces in kicking and ball control, studying body systems during exercise, exploring balance and momentum in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping tactics and formations

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, building resilience and confidence, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for leadership behaviours, skill progression, and safety awareness throughout lesson

Intervention Points

Step in to provide encouragement, correct techniques, or manage behaviour as needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skills, model positive communication constantly, show both successful and learning moments

Verbal Cues

•'Heads up, look where you're going!'
•'Great communication there!'
•'Can you change your speed?'
•'Help your teammates by talking to them!'
•'Well done for staying calm under pressure!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple activities, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or appropriate artificial surface, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling activities
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Overexertion during high-intensity possession games
•Contact injuries during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing between activity areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular monitoring of student fatigue levels
•Emphasis on controlled, skilful play over physical challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activity areas
•Monitor high-intensity games for safety and fair play
•Watch for signs of overexertion or injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely positioned away from incident