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Ways to move with the ball and basic skills

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can move with the ball using soloing and hand passes to maintain possession.

Key learning points

  1. Move: the ball is dropped onto the instep (laces) of foot and volleyed back into hands whilst on the move.
  2. Move: you can use an open hand pass over a short distance or fist pass to pass accurately over longer distances.
  3. Think: you can carry the ball for four steps before either bouncing, soloing (drop kicking it back to hands) or passing.
  4. Feel: it is enjoyable to transfer skills and learn new techniques in an unfamiliar game.
  5. Connect: communicating with each other will increase success when playing small sided games.

Keywords

  • Soloing/toe tap - after 4 steps, a player has a choice between bouncing, performing a solo/toe tap or playing the ball away

  • Hand pass - supporting the ball with one hand and striking it with the open palm of the free hand to pass over a short distance

  • Fist pass - supporting the ball with one hand and striking it with the closed fist of the free hand

Common misconception

When soloing the ball, pupils don't flick their toe upwards causing the ball to travel in front of them. When passing, pupils throw the ball, forgetting the correct open or closed hand passing action.

When the foot impacts the ball, flick your toes up so the ball travels back into the hands. Pupils should spend a lot of time repeating their hand passing skills to avoid throwing the ball when under pressure.

Teacher tip

You can use normal footballs to play Gaelic football; however, they are lighter, which makes soloing and hand passing more difficult. Soloing is a unique skill many pupils will not have performed. Therefore, to embed this as part of the game, award bonus points when they travel using this method.

Equipment

1 ball per pupil, approx 50 cones of various colours, bibs

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is most important for success in a team game?

individual skill
Correct answer: communication
winning

Q2.
What skill can we use in a game when working with a team to keep possession?

Correct answer: passing
defending
standing

Q3.
What type of game do we move into an opponent's space to score?

net and wall
striking and fielding
Correct answer: invasion

Q4.
What is the purpose of attacking in a game?

Correct answer: to score points
to slow down
to tackle

4 Questions

Q1.
What is the maximum number of steps a player can take while holding the ball before they must solo or bounce it?

3
Correct answer: 4
5

Q2.
What name is given to a pass in Gaelic football where you strike the ball with either an open palm or a fist?

Correct answer: hand pass
kick pass
soloing

Q3.
When you drop the ball onto your foot to perform a solo, which part do you use to control the ball?

heel
Correct answer: instep (laces)
inside of foot

Q4.
What action are you not allowed to perform in Gaelic football?

hand pass
bouncing
Correct answer: throw

To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Ways to move with the ball and basic skills, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...