⚽

Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Passing Foundations

Football Fundamentals & Skills

•

Year 8

•

Football

•

Big Question

How can effective dribbling and passing techniques help us maintain possession and create attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate correct technique for dribbling the ball with close control
Execute accurate passing using appropriate parts of the foot
Link dribbling and passing skills in sequences of movement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control when dribbling
Students will show accurate passing technique in practice and game situations
Students will combine skills effectively to maintain possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2-3 students (15-20 total)

Distributed around activity areas, spare balls available

Alternative: Size 4 balls for better control, futsal balls for improved touch

Cones

30-40 mixed colours

Various colours for different areas and progressions

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalked areas

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Goals

6 small goals or markers

Portable goals for small-sided games

Alternative: Cone gates, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with your feet while maintaining close control

Passing

Accurately sending the ball to a teammate using the foot

First touch

The initial control of the ball when receiving a pass

Control

Managing the ball effectively to keep possession

Communication

Verbal and non-verbal signals to help teammates

Change of pace

Varying speed of movement to deceive opponents

1-2 pass

A quick passing combination where the ball is returned immediately

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarity from Year 7
Understanding of team games concepts
Simple kicking and receiving skills

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with both feet
Accurate passing technique
Basic combination play and movement

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (through balls, crosses)
Dribbling under pressure and in tight spaces
Complex combination play and tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Consistent close control during movement

Accurate passes completed 8/10 times

Successful skill combinations in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Dribbling requires close control with head up for awareness
Passing accuracy is more important than power, especially when learning
First touch should set up the next action in sequence
Communication makes all team activities more effective
Skills must be practiced under pressure to transfer to games
Decision-making between dribbling and passing depends on situation
Quality repetition builds muscle memory and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dribbling is always better than passing - correct by showing when each is appropriate
Believing power is more important than accuracy in passing - demonstrate controlled passing success
Assuming skills work in isolation - show how dribbling and passing connect in sequences
Thinking looking down helps control - practice head-up play from early stages
Believing practice activities aren't 'real football' - connect all practice to game situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use high-energy activities as outlet

dyspraxia

Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of combinations, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet zone if needed, prepare for transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt activities for seated participation, modify distances and equipment size, provide alternative ball control methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development

Science

Forces and motion in ball physics, cardiovascular effects of exercise, biomechanics of movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and orientations on the pitch

Mathematics

Angles of passing, distances covered, calculating success rates and statistics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, building resilience and confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to provide individual feedback, position at corner for game observation

Observation Focus

Watch for technical improvement, decision-making development, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, technique needs correction, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate at normal speed after slow explanation, use students as examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Heads up, eyes scanning!'
•'Soft touches, keep it close!'
•'Pass and move, never stand still!'
•'Communication is key!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for surface type

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Bibs clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during activities
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during change of direction
•Overexertion in warm weather

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building to develop control
•Emphasis on looking up and spatial awareness
•Regular hydration breaks and intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three game areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during skill development
•Check student wellbeing throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, follow school emergency protocols