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Lesson 2 - Solo and Hop Technique Development

Technical Mastery & Tactics

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Year 9

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

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

Gaelic Footballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around activity areas

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rugby balls for grip practice

Cones

40-50

Mark activity boundaries and goals

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Bands, different coloured tops

Large Goals

2-4

Positioned at ends of playing areas

Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on wall

Key Vocabulary

Solo

A skill where the ball is dropped from hands and kicked back to hands before touching the ground

Hop

Bouncing the ball once on the ground while running - only allowed once between solos

Ball control

The ability to maintain possession of the ball while moving and under pressure

Possession

Having control of the ball and maintaining it against opposition pressure

Strategy

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

Consistent solo technique without looking at ball

Natural application of hop rule in game flow

Ability to maintain possession under defensive pressure

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