Football - Lesson 1

The initial lesson in a series for Year 3 pupils on football focuses on ball control and dribbling skills. The learning objectives are clear: pupils should be able to use the correct part of the body to control the ball and keep it close while moving. The lesson begins with a warm-up where pupils move around a large rectangle, responding to prompts to sprint or jog without touching the footballs scattered inside. This exercise also teaches them to move with their heads up, mimicking a real football match's dynamics to avoid collisions and be aware of other players' positions. When a team name is called, those pupils must quickly touch a ball ten times with alternating feet, enhancing their touch control and agility.

During the main activity, lasting 30 minutes, the emphasis is on dribbling with the front of the foot. Pupils are instructed to keep the ball close and take frequent touches to maintain control, especially when changing direction. The 'Traffic Lights' game further reinforces these skills, with pupils responding to 'green' for dribble, 'red' for stopping the ball, and 'yellow' for changing direction. Additionally, pupils navigate through cones, practicing stopping the ball on command. To accommodate varying skill levels, extensions are provided, such as using the outside of the foot for dribbling or using the weaker foot. The lesson concludes with a cool-down that includes 'Follow my leader' and various movements to relax the muscles and reflect on the skills practised, such as which part of the foot is most effective for dribbling.