Getting Started Soccer

Overview

Lesson 3 of 5 builds team invasion-game foundations for soccer: coordinated movement, controlled dribbling, and passing to keep possession. Students practise choosing passing options, moving into space, and supporting teammates during short small-sided games.

Learning intentions

Students will:

• WALT dribble and pass in soccer using controlled movement and basic technique

• WALT keep possession by choosing simple passing options after a turnover

• WALT support teammates by running to open space and communicating during play

• WALT apply safe play and respectful teamwork habits while playing small-sided games

Success criteria

I can:

• I can dribble with control and keep my head up to scan for options

• I can pass to a teammate using an appropriate passing choice (safe, then more challenging)

• I can move into space to receive or support after I pass

• I can communicate clearly (e.g., call for the ball, name space, or confirm “man on/away”)

Curriculum links

• Physical Education / Movement skills (Invasion games): passing, receiving, and moving into space to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities

• Physical Education / Movement skills (Invasion games): retaining possession after turnover by choosing appropriate passing options

• Physical Education / Movement skills (Invasion games): communicating with teammates and supporting players by moving into space and providing options

• Physical Education / Movement skills (Invasion games): playing tactically and as a team to time runs for effective play or scoring

Lesson structure (45 minutes)

• 0–5 min · Warm-up arrival + setup. Teacher checks shin pads/safety, explains boundaries, and demonstrates the day’s focus: dribble + pass + support. Students jog into position and then get equipment (ball per pair).

• 5–12 min · Coordination warm-up “Soccer Gates”. Teacher sets up cones as gates and models footwork: inside/outside of foot taps, then dribble through gates while scanning. Students move through 6–8 gates, then repeat with increasing speed while keeping control.

• 12–20 min · Skill 1: Dribble to a target (control first). Teacher shows two cues: “touches close” and “head up”, then demonstrates slowing down before a pass-ready position. Students dribble from cone to cone, aiming to stop within a marked zone so they can pass on command.

• 20–28 min · Skill 2: Passing in pairs (accuracy + option). Teacher pairs students and models passing with the inside foot; emphasises receiving position (open body, first touch forward). Students pass and receive in pairs, aiming for a target gate; after 3–4 successful passes, they change angles (side-to-side) to practise choosing an option.

• 28–38 min · Small-sided game: “Pass & Move Soccer”. Teacher explains rules: teams score by completing a set number of passes before a goal attempt (or by passing into a target zone), encouraging quick support runs. Students play 4v4 (with 1–2 minute rotations), focusing on: after passing, move to space to receive; call for the ball; pass to create time and angles.

• 38–43 min · Tactical pause: “What makes our passes work?” Teacher stops play briefly and asks two questions: “Who was open and why?” “How did we react after a turnover?” Students do a quick class share, then return to the field to apply one agreed change.

• 43–45 min · Cool-down + exit check. Teacher leads light jogging and stretching, then collects a quick exit ticket prompt. Students complete a 1-minute check: “One passing choice I used well today was…” and “One way I supported my teammate was…”

Resources

• Soccer balls (enough for pairs/rotations, plus spares)

• Cones for gates, channels, target zones, and boundaries

• Bibs/markers for teams

• Goal markers (cones or mini goals)

Assessment

• Teacher observes pair drills for technique cues: controlled touches, head up, inside-foot passing, and receiving readiness

• During games, teacher uses a quick checklist for “team invasion behaviours”:

• pass to a teammate rather than to opponents

• support runs into space after passing