Lesson 2 - Solo and Hop Technique Development
Technical Mastery & Tactics
•Year 9
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can mastering the solo and hop transform your ability to maintain possession under pressure?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose and technique of the solo in Gaelic football
- Master the hop rule and its application in game situations
- Develop advanced ball control skills while moving at pace
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct solo technique with both feet
- Students will apply hop rules accurately during competitive play
- Students will maintain ball control under increasing pressure
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-positioned around activity areas
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rugby balls for grip practice
Mark activity boundaries and goals
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries
For team identification in games
Alternative: Bands, different coloured tops
Positioned at ends of playing areas
Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on wall
Key Vocabulary
A skill where the ball is dropped from hands and kicked back to hands before touching the ground
Bouncing the ball once on the ground while running - only allowed once between solos
The ability to maintain possession of the ball while moving and under pressure
Having control of the ball and maintaining it against opposition pressure
A planned approach or method to achieve success in a game situation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hand passing technique
- Understanding of invasion game principles
- Basic ball handling skills
Current Skills
- Solo technique development
- Hop rule application
- Advanced ball control under pressure
Next Steps
- Kicking accuracy and power
- Advanced tactical play
- Match situation decision making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Solo technique: drop-kick-catch sequence with inside of foot
- Hop rule: only one bounce allowed between solos or passes
- Ball control under pressure requires confident technique
- Strategic thinking essential for team success
- Rules enable fair play and skill development
- Progression from individual to team to game application
- Quality of technique more important than speed
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking solo is just dropping and kicking - missing the control element
- Believing hop can be used multiple times - rule allows only one between solos
- Assuming speed is more important than technique accuracy
- Thinking individual skills don't apply in team situations
- Believing rules restrict play rather than enable creative solutions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, positive reinforcement system
dyspraxia
- Larger balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all movements, tactile guidance for solo technique
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, written instruction cards, buddy system for communication
physical disability
- Seated versions of ball control, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances for activities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, communication skills in team discussions
Science
Physics of ball flight, forces in kicking, body systems during exercise
Geography
Irish cultural geography, mapping game movements and strategies
Mathematics
Spatial geometry in field positioning, statistical analysis of success rates
PSHE
Leadership development, resilience building, conflict resolution in team sports
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activity areas, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Solo technique quality, rule compliance, team cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, technique correction, rule clarification
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for skill breakdown, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Drop, kick, catch!'
- •'Use the inside of your foot!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Solo or hop - you choose!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m clear space, multiple activity areas
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate drainage if outdoor
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones positioned safely without sharp edges
- •Goals secured and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball collisions during group activities
- •Falls when attempting solo technique
- •Contact during defensive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear activity boundaries maintained
- •Progressive skill introduction
- •Emphasis on non-contact defending
- •Adequate spacing between students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor closely during game application
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique
Emergency Procedures
Standard first aid protocols, clear evacuation routes, emergency contacts available