Mastering Football Skills

Lesson Overview

This 45-minute Physical Education (PE) lesson is designed for a Year 8 class of 30 students and focuses on advancing key football skills: dribbling and shooting. It will align with the UK National Curriculum for Physical Education at Key Stage 3, particularly addressing the competency areas of developing techniques, tactics, and strategic knowledge in competitive sports. The session ensures an inclusive approach, catering to various skill levels through progressive challenges and opportunities to reflect on performance.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Demonstrate improved dribbling techniques under control while navigating through various scenarios.
• Execute accurate and powerful shots on target with proper technique.
• Understand how to apply these skills effectively in a small-sided football game.

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Required Equipment

• 15 footballs (1 per pair)
• 30 cones (for dribbling drills and marking boundaries)
• 6 portable goals or target markers
• Bibs (two colours, enough for 15 students per team)

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Lesson Structure

Warm-Up Activities (7 minutes)

1. Dynamic Warm-Up (3 minutes):

   • Jogging around the designated area with gradual progression to high knees, heel flicks, and side shuffles.
   • Mobilisation of key muscle groups with stretches (e.g., hamstrings, quads, groin, calves) while standing or on the move.

2. Football-Specific Warm-Up (4 minutes):

   • In pairs, students pass a ball back and forth using controlled touches. After a few passes, introduce small challenges: touch the ball twice with the inside of the foot before passing back or introduce a bounce pass.

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Skill Development (16 minutes)

Dribbling Drills (8 minutes)

1. Basic Dribbling with Cones (5 minutes):

   • Set up 5 parallel cone lines spaced apart (each with 6 cones per line).
   • Students work in pairs: one dribbles the ball through the cones using tight and controlled touches while the other observes. Upon reaching the end, they pass the ball back and swap roles.
   • Levels of challenge:
     • Basic: Inside of the foot only.
     • Advanced: Inside and outside combinations with a "stop-and-turn" at every second cone.

2. Pressure Dribbling (3 minutes):

   • Set up larger zones (approx. 10m x 10m). Divide into groups of six, and have five defenders without a ball and one dribbler.
   • Defenders walk while trying to touch the ball, and the dribbler has to evade them with controlled touches. Progress the activity by allowing defenders to jog after 1.5 minutes.

Shooting Drills (8 minutes)

1. Accuracy Challenge (5 minutes):

   • Working in pairs, one student shoots at marked targets within the goal (using cones or portable goals). Targets can include top corners, bottom corners, and centre points.
   • The partner collects the ball and provides feedback on technique (e.g., foot positioning, follow-through). Swap roles after four attempts.

2. Match-Relevant Shooting (3 minutes):

   • Groups of six students (one goalkeeper, five shooters).
   • Students take turns receiving a pass from a peer, controlling the ball, and shooting on target under time pressure. Rotate goalkeepers every 1.5 minutes.

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Game Application (15 minutes)

Small-Sided Games (5v5)

• Organise six teams, each with five players.
• Set up three small pitches (15m x 30m) with portable goals or cone-arranged goals.
• Rotate after 5 minutes so all teams have a chance to play.
• Encourage students to focus on utilising dribbling and shooting skills practised earlier.
• The teacher observes, providing feedback on individual and team tactics.

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Cool-Down and Reflection (7 minutes)

1. Cool Down (4 minutes):

   • Light jogging progressing to walking.
   • Stretch key muscle groups (quads, hamstrings, calves) in static holds.

2. Reflection Circle (3 minutes):

   • Gather students to discuss progress:
     • "Which dribbling drill was the most challenging?"
     • "What can you do differently next time to improve your shooting accuracy?"
   • Encourage peer feedback and positive reinforcement.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Less Confident Students:

  • Reduce distance between cones during dribbling.
  • Allow for larger targets in shooting drills.

• For Advanced Students:

  • Increase cone spacing to challenge dribbling speed and control.
  • Add defenders in shooting drills to simulate game pressure.

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Assessment Focus

• Observation of individual skill execution (dribbling and shooting).
• Understanding of how to apply these skills in game scenarios.
• Ability to reflect critically on performance and identify areas to improve.

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Links to National Curriculum

This lesson directly supports the Key Stage 3 PE Requirements:

• Developing Competence: Master technically demanding skills (dribbling/shooting) and understand their tactical applications.
• Practical Engagement: Participate in competitive team sports to build communication, teamwork, and resilience.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Promote physical wellbeing through engaging and inclusive activities.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure role modelling of key techniques during demonstrations.
• Provide real-time feedback throughout drills to keep the class engaged and progressing.
• Use enthusiasm to inspire effort and enjoyment—students build a stronger connection with the subject when they feel supported in their efforts.