Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Ball control in your hand and at your feet

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can move with the ball and evade defenders.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: controlling the ball in hand is done by using the fingertips to cushion the ball.
      2. Move: controlling the ball at the feet is done by using small taps with the inside and outside of your foot.
      3. Think: looking up helps you to understand which space is best to move into and where to move to avoid defenders.
      4. Feel: confidence is built by repeating different movements with the ball.
      5. Connect: working together will mean that there are more options for the ball carrier.

      Keywords

      • Pivot - a movement where a player keeps one foot in contact with the floor

      • Evade - the act of escaping from an opponent

      • Ball carrier - the player who is in possession of the ball

      Common misconception

      Lack of cushioning with hand or foot to keep close touch control and eyes always down to look at the ball.

      By using kinaesthetic awareness (touch) and peripheral vision you can control the ball better with a light touch and keep your eyes up to look for space, teammates and defenders.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson is focused on broad concepts/principles that transfer across many sports. It is intentionally a revisit of prior learning that should have taken place in key stage 2 games but there will have been significant differences between the quality of experience and opportunities.

      Equipment

      1 football per pupil; a variety of basketballs, handballs, netballs and rugby balls; cones or floor markers; 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.
      Where should we dribble the ball in a game?

      Correct answer: into space
      at other players
      towards own goal

      Q2.
      Which of the following is typically the best option if a teammate is unmarked and closer to goal than you?

      dribble into space
      Correct answer: pass then move
      dribble at defenders

      Q3.
      If a defender is in front of you, what can you do as you dribble the ball?

      Correct answer: change direction
      stand still
      jump with the ball

      Q4.
      Which skill should you use to let a teammate know that a defender is close?

      Correct answer: communication
      reflection
      empathy

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we need to use when controlling the ball whilst dribbling with our hands?

      Correct answer: fingertip control
      a firm wrist
      a stationary forearm

      Q2.
      How do you build up your confidence controlling the ball with your hands/feet?

      you can’t
      Correct answer: repetition
      watching sport

      Q3.
      Which skills are we using when we are dodging to avoid the defenders?

      invasion
      coordination
      Correct answer: evasion

      Q4.
      What should you do to help notice where you can find space, teammates and opposition?

      look down
      Correct answer: look up
      ask your captain

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Ball control in your hand and at your feet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...