⚽

Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Passing Fundamentals

Foundational Skills & Confidence

•

Year 7

•

Football

•

Big Question

How can we link dribbling and passing skills to create effective movement patterns in football?

Learning Objectives

Link skills to perform actions and sequences of movement
Demonstrate leadership skills in team situations
Show understanding and interpretation of rules while accepting decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will execute controlled dribbling using appropriate parts of the foot
Students will demonstrate accurate passing with correct technique
Students will link dribbling and passing in continuous movement sequences
Students will show leadership through communication and encouragement

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20 (multiple per circle)

Distributed around circle perimeters, inflated to correct pressure

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 balls for smaller students, tennis balls for close control practice

Cones

30-40 for marking areas

Bright colours for visibility, placed securely to avoid trips

Alternative: Plastic markers, chalk lines on tarmac

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 different colours for teams)

Clean and appropriate sizes available

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured balls per team

Stopwatch

For timing activities and rotations

Alternative: Phone timer, class clock

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with your feet while maintaining close control

Passing

Striking the ball with your foot to send it accurately to a teammate

First touch

The first contact with the ball when receiving a pass

Control

Keeping the ball close to your feet and ready for the next action

Change of pace

Varying your speed to deceive opponents or create space

Communication

Using your voice and body language to help teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity from Key Stage 2
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working in groups

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling technique
Accurate passing with correct technique
Linking skills in movement sequences
Leadership and communication

Next Steps

Shooting and finishing techniques
Defensive positioning and tackling
Advanced passing combinations
Small-sided game tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control at walking pace

Accurate passes over 5-10 metres

Smooth transitions between skills

Positive leadership behaviours

Key Teaching Points

Ball control is achieved through small, frequent touches with inside and outside of foot
Accurate passing requires plant foot beside ball, inside foot contact, and follow-through to target
First touch should cushion the ball and set up the next action immediately
Communication between players improves team performance and creates better passing opportunities
Linking skills together in sequences is more effective than isolated techniques
Change of pace creates space and deceives opponents during dribbling
Leadership in football includes encouraging teammates and making positive decisions

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Dribbling means running as fast as possible with the ball' - Correction: Control and change of pace are more important than pure speed
Misconception: 'Good players only use their stronger foot' - Correction: Developing both feet makes you unpredictable and more effective
Misconception: 'Passing hard makes it more accurate' - Correction: Controlled passing with appropriate weight is more effective
Misconception: 'Looking down at the ball helps control' - Correction: Head up allows you to see opportunities and avoid collisions
Misconception: 'Skills don't matter in games' - Correction: Technical skills are essential for successful game performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with variety, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks integrated

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier control, reduced complexity of combinations, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, warning before activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for direction

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, positioning close to teacher, use of vibrant visual cues

physical disability

Seated versions of activities where possible, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances, alternative roles such as coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following instructions, technical vocabulary development, descriptive language

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, body systems during exercise, physics of ball control

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and orientations, mapping movement patterns

Mathematics

Calculating passing distances, angles of movement, timing sequences, scoring and statistics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location between activity groups, moving to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Technical execution, safety awareness, positive interaction, skill progression

Intervention Points

Poor technique affecting learning, unsafe behaviour, lack of inclusion, equipment issues

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches with the ball!'
•'Head up, see your options!'
•'Great communication!'
•'Keep the ball close!'
•'Well done, try with your other foot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Bibs are clean and appropriate sizes available

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion leading to injury

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Immediate response to any safety concerns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Move between groups during skill practice
•Maintain awareness of student fatigue levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required