Precision Passing Skills

Overview

This 100-minute lesson introduces Year 7 students to fundamental short passing skills in football, focusing on using both the inside and outside of the foot. The session is designed to develop control, accuracy, and confidence, aligning with the National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 3: Years 7–9) requirements for developing practical skills in team games.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 3 (Year 7) Physical Education

Pupils should be taught to:

• Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination.
• Play competitive games, modified where appropriate [for example, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders and tennis], and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.
• Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
• Take the initiative, lead activity and focus on improving aspects of own performance.

Specific learning objectives relevant to this lesson:

• Develop control and accurate passing and receiving of the ball in football.
• Use both feet (inside and outside) confidently for passing under pressure.
• Show teamwork, communication, and cooperation in pairs and small groups.
• Understand and begin to apply basic attacking and defending principles by securing possession through passing.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Demonstrate accurate short passing using the inside and outside of both feet in football.
2. Maintain ball control while alternating passing feet within confined spaces.
3. Communicate effectively with their partner to maintain possession.
4. Reflect on their passing accuracy and control to identify areas for improvement.

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Resources Required

• Size 4 footballs (one per pair)
• Marker cones (for defined passing areas)
• Bibs (to differentiate groups if needed)
• Whistle
• Stopwatch or timer
• Whiteboard and marker (for feedback and visual cues)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-Up (15 minutes)

• Starter Discussion (5 mins): Briefly introduce the purpose of the lesson. Discuss the importance of passing in football and the difference between using inside and outside of the foot.
• Dynamic Warm-Up (10 mins):
  • Light jogging around the pitch.
  • Dynamic stretches focusing on legs, ankles, and hips.
  • Basic ball touches while moving (rolling the ball with both feet).
  • Simple ‘pass and move’ drill in small groups to get pupils comfortable touching the ball lightly.

2. Skill Development (30 minutes)

• Controlled Passing Drill (Pairs, 20 mins):

  • Set up 1m x 2m rectangular grids with cones – one for each pair.
  • Partners stand facing each other across the grid.
  • Task: Pass the ball back and forth using alternating feet (inside foot first pass, outside foot return) while staying within the box. Emphasise control and accuracy over power.
  • Progression: Gradually decrease grid size to increase difficulty and encourage precision.
  • Teacher circulates, provides individual feedback focusing on body positioning, foot angle, and soft touches.
  • Encourage verbal communication (“Your turn”, “Ready”) to build teamwork.

• Small Group Passing Challenge (10 mins):

  • Combine pairs into groups of 4–6.
  • Set up a triangle or square grid using cones.
  • Pupils pass around the shape using inside and outside foot passes alternately, calling for the ball.
  • Challenge: Keep possession for as long as possible without the ball going out of the grid.

3. Application Game (35 minutes)

• Mini 5-a-Side Matches (25 mins):

  • Split the class into six teams of 5.
  • Use small-sided pitches with marked boundaries.
  • Encourage use of the passing skills learnt: short passes using inside and outside foot, keeping ball within the team.
  • Apply simple basic rules (no physical contact, focus on passing).
  • Teacher acts as referee and coach, providing prompts and encouragement around passing, positioning, and communication.

• Cool Down & Peer Feedback (10 mins):

  • Gentle jogging and static stretching focusing on leg muscles.
  • In pairs, students discuss what passing skills they were confident with and what to improve next time using prompts:
    • What was easy about passing?
    • How did using the outside foot help?
    • What will you do differently next time?

4. Assessment and Reflection (20 minutes)

• Teacher Assessment:

  • Observe individual performance during drills and games.
  • Note ability to pass accurately with inside and outside of both feet.
  • Check communication and teamwork skills.

• Plenary Discussion (10 mins):

  • Recap key skills and learning points.
  • Invite a few pupils to share their reflections and demonstrate their favourite passing technique.
  • Set personalised target challenge for next lesson, e.g., “I will master outside foot passing using my weaker foot.”

• Written Reflection Task (if time permits): Short exit ticket: "Describe how you used your feet to pass today and how it felt to pass under pressure."

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide extra space or slower pace drills for pupils needing more control.
• Challenge: Introduce timed passing drills or add defenders in small group activities for advanced pupils.

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Safety Considerations

• Ensure cones are safely spaced to prevent tripping.
• Ensure pupils warm up muscles to minimise injury risk.
• Remind pupils to be aware of others in close quarters during drills.

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Extension Ideas (Homework or Next Lesson)

• Practice passing to a family member or friend focusing on both feet.
• Watch a short clip of professional football players’ footwork and discuss the use of passing techniques.

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This lesson plan creatively embeds core National Curriculum goals and provides scaffolded opportunities for pupils to build foundational football skills with confidence and precision. It also promotes teamwork and pupil reflection — key to developing motivated and skilled young players.