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Lesson 2 - Ball Control and Possession

Football Fundamentals & Skills

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Year 8

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Football

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Big Question

How can we use skilful ball control and smart movement to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Combine ball control skills to maintain possession while moving through pressure
Demonstrate effective possession play through intelligent movement and passing
Show leadership skills in team situations and game scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully dribble while maintaining close control under pressure
Students will keep possession for extended periods through effective passing and movement
Students will demonstrate leadership by organising teammates and making tactical decisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Place around perimeter of each activity area

Alternative: Size 4 footballs for better control, tennis balls for skill work

Cones

6 goals or 12 markers

Use bright colours for clear area marking

Alternative: Flat markers, sports spots, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Pre-sorted into team sets before lesson

Alternative: Pinnies, coloured bands, or team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Ball control

Keeping the ball close to your feet while moving, using different parts of the foot

Possession

When your team has control of the ball and is trying to keep it away from opponents

Leadership

Taking responsibility to help organise and motivate your team

Movement off the ball

Moving into good positions when you don't have the ball to help your team

End zone

The target area at each end of the pitch where teams try to score

Safety zone

Protected areas where defenders cannot enter, giving attackers space

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
Simple passing techniques with accuracy
Understanding of basic football rules and safety

Current Skills

Combining dribbling and passing under pressure
Movement without the ball to support possession
Leadership and communication in team scenarios

Next Steps

Advanced ball control in tight spaces with multiple defenders
Complex passing combinations and tactical awareness
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain possession for 6+ passes consistently

Demonstrates clear communication during games

Shows composure when under defensive pressure

Key Teaching Points

Ball control requires small, frequent touches rather than big kicks
Possession is maintained through movement and communication, not just skill
Leadership can be shown through encouragement and organisation, not just vocal commands
Looking up while dribbling prevents collisions and improves decision-making
Quick passing under pressure requires good first touch and movement off the ball
Team success comes from supporting each other, not individual brilliance
Game rules must be understood and respected by all players for fair competition

Common Misconceptions

Only the captain or best players can show leadership - everyone can demonstrate leadership qualities
Ball control means keeping the ball as long as possible - often quick passing is better for possession
Shouting loudly equals good communication - clear, positive communication is more effective
Physical strength is most important in football - technique and intelligence often triumph
Making mistakes means you're not good at football - mistakes are part of learning and improving

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routines, visual schedules, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Seated versions of activities, use hands for ball control, modified rules for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development

Maths

Calculating possession percentages, measuring distances for tactical positioning, timing of activities

Science

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

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions of movement

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork, resilience in face of challenges, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at centre point to observe all three games

Observation Focus

Ball control technique, possession play, leadership behaviours, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if rules not being followed, unsafe play, or negative communication

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in examples

Verbal Cues

•'Keep the ball close!'
•'Look for the pass!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Well done, great leadership!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m for three games plus warm-up areas, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or debris that could cause injury

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify bibs are clean and have no torn areas that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during dribbling and games
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls on grass surface
•Overexertion leading to injury

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between activity areas
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
•Clear rules about physical contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three game areas
•Monitor high-intensity activities for overexertion
•Watch for any signs of frustration or conflict between students

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed