Lesson 3 - Passing and Receiving in Football
Foundational Skills & Confidence
•Year 7
•Football
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How can accurate passing and intelligent movement unlock defensive structures in football?
Learning Objectives
- To perform the basic football skills of passing and receiving with increasing accuracy and control
- To apply passing and receiving skills effectively in small-sided game situations
- To understand tactical awareness of when and where to pass in football
- To demonstrate the ability to outwit opponents through intelligent passing combinations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved technique in side foot, low driven, and long lofted passes
- Students will show enhanced decision-making in selecting appropriate passes during game play
- Students will work collaboratively to maintain possession through effective passing sequences
- Students will understand the importance of movement and support play in creating passing opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around practice areas, spare balls near goals
Alternative: Size 3 balls for reduced ability, tennis balls for control practice
Sorted into 3 different colours for 3v3 games
Alternative: Different coloured clothing, armbands
Used for boundaries and passing targets
Alternative: Cones, jumpers, water bottles
Positioned around practice area for small-sided games
Alternative: Cone goals 2 metres wide, wall targets
Used for boundaries, gates, and practice stations
Alternative: Markers, spot markers, poly dots
Laminated sheets with simple tick-box assessments
Alternative: Tablets, clipboards with observation forms
Key Vocabulary
A controlled pass using the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over short to medium distances
A firm, powerful pass played along the ground to cover medium distances quickly
A high pass used to switch play or cover long distances by getting the ball airborne
The appropriate power and pace applied to a pass to reach its target effectively
Movement by teammates to create passing options and maintain possession
Maintaining control of the ball within your team through passing and receiving
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control using inside and outside of foot
- Understanding of football pitch markings and basic rules
- Experience of working in pairs and small groups
- Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns
Current Skills
- Side foot passing technique with accuracy
- Low driven pass for medium distances
- Long lofted pass for switching play
- First touch receiving skills
- Support play and movement off the ball
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques including through balls and crosses
- Combination play including wall passes and overlaps
- Tactical understanding of formation play
- Pressing and defensive transitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Technique before power - accuracy is more important than force in passing
- First touch determines success - receiving well sets up good passing opportunities
- Communication is crucial - teams that talk together play better together
- Support play creates options - movement off the ball is as important as on-ball skills
- Decision-making improves with practice - choose the right pass for each situation
- Possession has value - keeping the ball often leads to better scoring opportunities
- Practice makes permanent - correct technique repetition builds muscle memory
Common Misconceptions
- Harder passes are always better - actually, appropriate weight and accuracy matter most
- Only the player with the ball is important - movement without the ball creates space and options
- Long passes are more impressive - short accurate passes often more effective in games
- Perfect technique happens immediately - skill development requires time and repetition
- Passing is easy compared to other skills - good passing requires excellent technique and vision
- Individual skill is most important - teamwork and communication often determine success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear boundaries and immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide additional practice time and step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear lesson structure and visual schedule, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and familiar language
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and gestures, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading
physical disability
- Offer seated passing variations, use modified equipment (larger/lighter balls), adapt distances and rules as appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, communication skills during teamwork, listening skills during instruction and feedback
Maths
Calculating pass success rates and statistics, measuring distances and angles of passes, timing activities and analysing data patterns
Science
Understanding forces applied in different pass types, studying motion and trajectory in ball flight, exploring biomechanics of passing technique
Geography
Directional awareness and spatial orientation, understanding angles and compass directions, mapping movement patterns around the pitch
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, leadership opportunities, respectful communication and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corners of activity areas for optimal visibility, move between groups during practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development, safety awareness, positive teamwork and engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe or incorrect, when students appear frustrated or disengaged, or when conflicts arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students as models, repeat key teaching points multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Side foot for accuracy, drive for power!'
- •'Move to support your teammate!'
- •'Great pass! Perfect weight!'
- •'Remember your first touch!'
- •'Keep possession, don't rush!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 60m outdoor area or large sports hall for full lesson delivery
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or hazardous materials
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones and markers have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify goals are stable and properly assembled
- •Confirm bibs are clean and tear-free
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball-to-face contact during passing practice
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Overexertion in energetic students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing maintained between practice groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Regular hydration breaks and fatigue monitoring
- •Appropriate warm-up and cool-down procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor high-activity zones during games
- •Circulate between groups during practice sessions
- •Maintain clear sight lines to all students
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if qualified, seek additional support if required, complete incident documentation