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Lesson 1 - Setting Up Shooting Opportunities

Team Strategy & Coordination

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

How can we work as a team to create the best scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Play effectively as both an attacker and defender in game situations
Pass accurately to set up shooting opportunities for teammates
Run onto the ball to attempt shots and score goals

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by creating scoring opportunities
Students will show improved passing accuracy under pressure
Students will execute coordinated attacking movements

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per pair (15 balls)

Half the class start with a ball

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 footballs, soft-touch balls for indoor use

Cones

20-30 cones

Set up 10-15 pairs of cones across the area

Alternative: Markers, small hurdles, or bean bags

Goals

6 goals (3 per end)

Central goal wider than outer goals

Alternative: Cone goals, bench goals, or marked areas

Bibs

15 bibs (half the class)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands

Key Vocabulary

Setting up

Passing the ball to create a better shooting opportunity for a teammate

Running onto the ball

Moving forward to meet a pass rather than standing still and waiting

Anticipation

Predicting where a teammate will move and passing accordingly

Tactical awareness

Understanding when to pass, shoot, or create space for teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and dribbling skills
Simple passing techniques
Understanding of basic football rules

Current Skills

Setting up teammates for shooting opportunities
Tactical awareness in attacking situations
Coordinated team movements

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Counter-attacking strategies
Complex passing combinations

Milestone Indicators

Accurate passing under pressure

Well-timed runs into scoring positions

Effective communication during attacks

Key Teaching Points

Pass accuracy is crucial - use inside of foot for consistent results
Timing is everything - pass just ahead of running teammate
Communication between teammates creates successful shooting opportunities
Sometimes passing creates better chances than shooting yourself
The pace of pass must be firm enough to beat defenders
Anticipation and movement reading are essential skills
Tactical awareness develops through understanding positional advantages

Common Misconceptions

Always trying to score individually rather than creating team opportunities
Passing directly to feet instead of leading runners into space
Poor timing - passing too early or too late for teammate movement
Lack of communication leading to missed opportunities
Not understanding when a teammate has a better shooting position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls initially, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step movement breakdown

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedule, use consistent routines, offer quiet break space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of setup, assign sighted peer buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions on board, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt passing distances, allow seated passing variations, modify movement requirements as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores (5 points for central goal, 1 for outer goals), measuring distances for setup, angles of passes and shots

Science

Forces involved in passing and shooting, trajectory of ball flight, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Understanding of space and positioning, mapping movement patterns, directional awareness

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, making decisions that benefit the group, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all groups, move to support specific activities as needed

Observation Focus

Look for passing accuracy, timing of runs, communication between teammates, application of lesson focus

Intervention Points

Step in if rules not followed, safety concerns arise, or students need technical support

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, slow down complex movements for clarity, repeat key demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Pass to the space, not the player!'
•'Look for teammates in better positions!'
•'Great timing on that run!'
•'Remember - central goal is worth more points!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for main game, additional space for warm-up activities

Surface Check

Even grass or artificial surface, free from holes, stones, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify goal posts are stable and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during high-intensity play
•Trips and falls on uneven surface
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•No-tackling zone reduces collision risk
•Adequate spacing between practice groups
•Progressive intensity building throughout lesson
•Regular water breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor compliance with no-tackling zone rules
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure passive defending stays within safe limits

Emergency Procedures

Stop whistle for immediate halt, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed