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Lesson 2 - Ball Control Under Pressure

Foundational Skills & Confidence

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Year 7

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Football

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Big Question

How can you maintain control of the ball while under pressure from opponents and demonstrate leadership to help your team keep possession?

Learning Objectives

Combine skills to move while maintaining control of the ball
Keep possession of the football more successfully under pressure
Demonstrate leadership skills during team activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control while moving at speed
Students will successfully maintain possession in small-sided games
Students will show leadership qualities by communicating effectively and encouraging teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Stored in equipment bag at side of area, distributed at start

Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, tennis balls for initial practice

Cones

40 cones

Used for marking lanes, areas and end zones - bright colours preferred

Alternative: Marker discs, corner flags, witches hats

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 different colours)

5 red, 5 blue, 5 yellow for team identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured t-shirts

Stopwatch

For timing activities and rotation periods

Alternative: Phone timer, whistle with timing function

Key Vocabulary

Ball Control

The ability to receive, manipulate and move with the ball using different parts of the foot

Possession

Keeping control of the ball as a team without the opposition gaining control

Leadership

Taking responsibility to guide, encourage and organise teammates effectively

Awareness

Understanding of space, teammates and opponents around you

Pressure

When opponents are close and trying to win the ball back

End Zone

The target area where teams must stop the ball or pass to score

Space Exploitation

Moving into and using empty areas on the pitch effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with stationary ball
Simple passing between static players
Understanding of football rules and safety

Current Skills

Dynamic ball control whilst moving
Possession under defensive pressure
Leadership and communication in team situations

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques
Tactical awareness in 11v11 games
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control for 10+ metres without losing possession

Successfully completes 8/10 passes under pressure

Verbally communicates at least 5 times during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Constant movement is essential for maintaining possession - players must move after passing
First touch should set up the second touch - control the ball in the direction you want to go
Communication is vital - players must talk to teammates to coordinate possession
Leadership can be shown through encouragement, organisation, and leading by example
Keep your head up when dribbling to maintain awareness of teammates and opponents
Support the player with the ball by creating passing options at different angles
Quick decision-making under pressure improves with practice and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Leadership only means being the loudest person - demonstrate that quiet organisation and encouragement are equally valuable
Good possession means keeping the ball as long as possible - teach that quick passing often maintains possession better
Only skilled dribblers can maintain possession - show how movement and passing are equally important
Defenders should be avoided at all costs - teach how to use defenders to create space elsewhere
Individual brilliance is more important than teamwork - emphasise collective success over individual glory

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use high-energy activities to channel focus

dyspraxia

Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Maintain clear routines and structure, provide visual schedules, offer quiet zones for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written instructions on cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt activities for wheelchair users with hands instead of feet, modify area sizes, provide seated coaching roles

learning difficulties

Simplify instructions, repeat key points frequently, use demonstration and modelling extensively

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving clear instructions, active listening to teammates

Maths

Calculating possession percentages, measuring distances for tactical positioning, timing activities in seconds

Science

Understanding forces in ball control, friction between foot and ball, cardiovascular response to exercise

Drama

Non-verbal communication, body language in leadership, performance under pressure

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns across the pitch

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork skills, resilience when losing possession, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to provide maximum visibility, position at corners during games for full court view

Observation Focus

Watch for ball control technique, spatial awareness, quality of communication, and leadership behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in if possession activities become too physical, if leadership becomes negative, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples during activities, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, model excellent communication and encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, scan the area!'
•'Move after you pass!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Quick feet, soft touches!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m total space for all activities, with clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Even grass or artificial surface, free from holes, debris or hazardous objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs correctly inflated to appropriate pressure
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dynamic activities
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Overexertion leading to fatigue or dehydration

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles and joints
•Regular hydration breaks, especially in warm weather
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
•Clear communication and awareness instructions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all activity areas
•Rotate between groups during small-sided activities
•Monitor intensity levels and provide rest as needed
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required