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Lesson 1 - Passing and Dribbling with Movement

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 passing and movement to create opportunities and maintain possession in football?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate close control when dribbling with both feet
To execute accurate passes using the inside of the foot with appropriate weight
To understand and apply the principle of pass and move in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will show improved close control when dribbling under pressure
Students will demonstrate accurate passing and intelligent movement off the ball
Students will link multiple skills together in flowing sequences during game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20 (approximately 1 per 2 students)

Distributed around practice areas, spare balls ready for quick restarts

Alternative: Size 4 footballs for better control, tennis balls for close control practice

Cones

30-40

Used to mark circle boundaries, central squares, and game area boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or spots

Coloured Bibs

30 (3 sets of 10)

Three different colours for 5v5 games identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Goals

6 (2 per game area)

Positioned to create three separate 5v5 playing areas

Alternative: Tall cones, witches hats, or marked boundaries

Stopwatch

For timing activity rotations and assessment periods

Alternative: Phone timer or whistle for time management

Key Vocabulary

Close control

Keeping the ball within playing distance while dribbling, using small touches

Pass and move

The principle of making a pass then immediately moving to a new position to receive the ball back or support teammates

First touch

The initial contact with the ball when receiving a pass, crucial for maintaining possession

Scanning

Looking around to assess options before receiving the ball

One-two pass

A quick passing combination where player A passes to player B, who immediately returns the ball to player A who has moved into space

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control using both feet
Simple passing using the inside of the foot
Understanding of space and positioning

Current Skills

Close control dribbling with head up scanning
Pass and move combinations
Linking multiple skills in sequences

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (through balls, long passes)
Complex movement patterns and overlaps
Tactical awareness in 11v11 situations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains close control while changing direction at speed

Consistently passes and moves without ball watching

Demonstrates first touch passing under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Head up scanning is essential for both dribbling and passing situations
Inside of foot provides accuracy for passing - follow through towards target
Pass and move is fundamental - never pass and stand still
First touch determines success of next action - prepare early
Communication helps teammates understand your intentions
Decision-making between passing and dribbling depends on situation
Close control keeps ball within playing distance at all times

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dribbling is always better than passing - explain when each is appropriate
Believing harder passes are always more effective - demonstrate importance of weight
Assuming first touch must always be a control - show when direct passing is better
Thinking skills only work if performed perfectly - emphasise that practice leads to improvement
Believing football is only about individual brilliance - highlight importance of teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues for transitions

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls initially, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller component parts

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual timetables, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed by group activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, establish buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on whiteboard if available

physical disability

Modify to seated or stationary versions where appropriate, use larger balls for easier handling, reduce distances for passing practice

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during games, following and giving instructions, explaining tactical concepts

Maths

Calculating angles for passing directions, measuring distances for game areas, timing activities with stopwatch skills

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, friction between ball and surface, body systems working during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction concepts, mapping movement patterns across playing areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when techniques don't work first time, leadership during team activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between groups during skill work, position centrally during games to oversee all three areas

Observation Focus

Watch for technical development, decision-making improvement, and cooperation between students

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately if safety concerns arise", "Provide encouragement for students attempting new skills", "Offer specific technical corrections during skill development phases"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration. Involve confident students to demonstrate good examples. Always show both correct and incorrect technique for comparison.

Verbal Cues

•'Head up when dribbling!'
•'Pass and move immediately!'
•'Use the inside of your foot for accuracy!'
•'Look for space before you receive the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for full lesson, additional space for three separate 5v5 games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated to correct pressure
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify goals are stable and properly positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during circle activities
•Ankle injuries from changes of direction
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
•Fatigue-related injuries during game phase

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between students maintained throughout
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles and joints
•Regular water breaks during extended activities
•Modified rules to reduce physical contact in games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three game areas
•Regular circulation between groups during skill activities
•Close monitoring during high-energy game phases

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or summon additional support as required