Lesson 3 - Shooting & Dribbling Skills
Tactical Mastery & Team Dynamics
•Year 6
•Football
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How can I select the right shooting technique and maintain ball control when under pressure from defenders?
Learning Objectives
- To identify and apply appropriate shooting techniques in different situations
- To maintain ball control when dribbling at pace towards defenders
- To understand and apply defensive principles to make attacking more difficult
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate varied shooting techniques based on position and situation
- Students will show controlled dribbling skills when running at opponents
- Students will apply defensive tactics to pressure attackers effectively
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas, some with servers
Alternative: Size 4 footballs if size 5 too large, tennis balls for close control
Mark out multiple practice areas and goals
Alternative: Spot markers, training poles
4 goals for corners in game, additional for practices
Alternative: Cone goals 2 yards wide, target areas against walls
For identifying teams and roles in activities
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
The specific method used to strike the ball towards goal, varying based on distance and angle
Moving quickly with the ball while maintaining close control and being able to change direction
Applying controlled pressure to an attacker to limit their options and force mistakes
The initial contact with the ball to bring it under control before taking further action
Defensive technique of staying close to an attacker while backing away and delaying their progress
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control with feet using inside and outside surfaces
- Simple passing and receiving with both feet
- Understanding of basic football rules and fair play
Current Skills
- Selecting appropriate shooting techniques for different situations
- Maintaining ball control when dribbling at pace
- Applying defensive pressure and positioning principles
Next Steps
- Advanced finishing techniques in competitive situations
- Complex dribbling skills with multiple direction changes
- Team defensive strategies and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shooting technique must match the situation - side-foot for accuracy, laces for power
- Keep ball close to feet when dribbling at pace to maintain control
- Defenders should apply pressure by closing space, not diving into tackles
- First touch is crucial - cushion the ball to set up second touch
- Communication between players improves passing and receiving success
- Body position and balance are key for both shooting accuracy and defensive effectiveness
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is always better than accuracy in shooting - correct by showing placement shots
- Believing you should always dribble at full speed - teach when to vary pace
- Assuming defenders should always try to win the ball - show how positioning and pressure work better
- Thinking shooting technique doesn't matter if you're close to goal - demonstrate how poor technique leads to missed opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Larger balls initially, reduced shooting distances, extra demonstration time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated shooting practice options, modified distances, adapted equipment sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating goals scored, measuring distances for shooting, understanding angles for goal placement
Science
Forces applied in different shooting techniques, impact and momentum in ball striking, physics of ball flight
PSHE
Fair play and sportsmanship, accepting decisions, teamwork and cooperation, building resilience through challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice stations and game areas, positioning for maximum visibility of all students
Observation Focus
Watch for shooting technique selection, ball control quality, and sportsmanship in games
Intervention Points
Step in when students show unsafe play, poor technique that could cause injury, or unsporting behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Show each shooting technique clearly, emphasise safety in all demonstrations, model positive reactions to decisions
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-foot for accuracy!'
- •'Keep the ball close!'
- •'Well done for accepting that decision!'
- •'Choose your technique!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for full lesson, with additional space for multiple practice areas
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and shooting
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Footballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Goals stable and safely positioned
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during shooting practices
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Overexertion in game situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear shooting directions established to avoid crossing balls
- •Adequate spacing between practice stations
- •Progressive warm-up prepares body for intense activity
- •Controlled defensive pressure in practices
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all practice stations
- •Move between stations to ensure safe practice
- •Monitor game areas for fair play and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required