Football - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of the Year 5 football series, the objective is to equip pupils with the skills necessary for tackling and marking opponents effectively. The success of the lesson is determined by the students' ability to perform a block tackle and position themselves correctly when marking another player. Key terms for the lesson include 'tackle', 'defend', and 'mark', which are essential for understanding the defensive aspects of football. To facilitate the activities, a class set of footballs and cones are required as equipment.

The session kicks off with a warm-up where pupils are split into two groups: one group dribbles the ball around a stationary classmate before passing it through the legs of a second stationary pupil, after which they swap roles. This exercise is designed to improve dribbling and passing accuracy. The main part of the lesson focuses on defending techniques, starting with the block tackle. Students are taught the importance of positioning and timing to effectively dispossess an attacker. They practice this in pairs, alternating roles between attacker and defender. The lesson then incorporates these skills into a game scenario, with small-sided matches and cone goals, rewarding excellent defensive play. The session concludes with a cool-down involving gentle jogging and stretching, providing a comprehensive football experience that enhances both technical skills and physical fitness.