⚽

Lesson 3 - Passing and Receiving in Football

Foundational Skills & Confidence

•

Year 7

•

Football

•

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Distributed around practice areas, spare balls near goals

Alternative: Size 3 balls for reduced ability, tennis balls for control practice

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (for team identification)

Sorted into 3 different colours for 3v3 games

Alternative: Different coloured clothing, armbands

Throw Down Markers

20 markers

Used for boundaries and passing targets

Alternative: Cones, jumpers, water bottles

Goals

4 small goals

Positioned around practice area for small-sided games

Alternative: Cone goals 2 metres wide, wall targets

Cones

30 cones in various colours

Used for boundaries, gates, and practice stations

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, poly dots

Score Sheets

6 sheets (1 per group)

Laminated sheets with simple tick-box assessments

Alternative: Tablets, clipboards with observation forms

Key Vocabulary

Side foot pass

A controlled pass using the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over short to medium distances

Low driven pass

A firm, powerful pass played along the ground to cover medium distances quickly

Long lofted pass

A high pass used to switch play or cover long distances by getting the ball airborne

Weight of pass

The appropriate power and pace applied to a pass to reach its target effectively

Support play

Movement by teammates to create passing options and maintain possession

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

Consistent first touch control in all conditions

Ability to pass with both feet accurately

Decision-making speed increases noticeably

Understanding of space and timing develops

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