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Lesson 3 - Shooting & Dribbling Skills

Tactical Mastery & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Distributed around activity areas, some with servers

Alternative: Size 4 footballs if size 5 too large, tennis balls for close control

Cones

40-50 cones

Mark out multiple practice areas and goals

Alternative: Spot markers, training poles

Goals

8-10 goals

4 goals for corners in game, additional for practices

Alternative: Cone goals 2 yards wide, target areas against walls

Bibs

15 bibs in different colours

For identifying teams and roles in activities

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Shooting technique

The specific method used to strike the ball towards goal, varying based on distance and angle

Dribbling at pace

Moving quickly with the ball while maintaining close control and being able to change direction

Defensive pressure

Applying controlled pressure to an attacker to limit their options and force mistakes

First touch

The initial contact with the ball to bring it under control before taking further action

Jockeying

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

Consistent technique selection leading to more successful shots

Maintained ball control even when defenders apply pressure

Effective defensive positioning that forces attackers into difficult situations

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