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      Movement with the ball: dribbling, receiving and turning at pace

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can turn and move at pace with the ball under control at my feet.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: turn at pace using stepover, drag back and outside hook turns as appropriate.
      2. Move: dribbling the ball with both feet for close control and pushing it out in front to run on to when there's space.
      3. Think: a football requires more finesse when cushioning and also doesn't stay on the ground as easily as a futsal ball.
      4. Feel: continuing to try new ways of moving and turning with the ball demonstrates resilience and motivation.
      5. Connect: social responsibility includes applying the right amount of pressure to others to support improvement.

      Keywords

      • Stepover - creating a circular motion around the ball whilst running with it in front to deceive the opposition

      • Drag back - a turn by placing one foot on top of the ball and staying in contact with it throughout

      • Outside hook - use the outside of the foot to hook the ball back in the direction you are going to go

      Common misconception

      Pupils make a big touch so they don't have close control of the ball. Pupils slow down after turning with the ball.

      Encourage pupils to keep the ball close to the body so they have control at all times. Pupils should explode after the turn pushing off with their standing leg.

      Teacher tip

      When working on dribbling, if possible, ensure each pupil has a ball to increase activity levels and provide pupils with lots of practice time. Making the space bigger or smaller is a good way to differentiate when working on improving dribbling technique.

      Equipment

      A size 4 football per pupil or size 3 if more suitable, 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.
      When dribbling in football, which part of the body do we want the ball to remain close to?

      eyes
      Correct answer: feet
      chest

      Q2.
      Which foot should you dribble the ball with?

      Correct answer: both feet
      Correct answer: dominant foot
      non-dominant foot

      Q3.
      What attribute are we showing when we continue to try new skills even when they are difficult?

      Correct answer: resilience
      agility
      teamwork

      Q4.
      What could happen if we dribble with our head down?

      score a goal
      Correct answer: lose possession
      improve our defending

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following skills could you use to change direction and lose a defender?

      long pass
      Correct answer: step over
      slide tackle

      Q2.
      What factor may affect how much pressure you apply as a defender in football?

      Correct answer: opposition’s ability level
      your height
      your speed

      Q3.
      What should you do after changing direction with the ball?

      celebrate
      slow down
      Correct answer: accelerate

      Q4.
      When performing a drag back, which part of the foot do you drag the ball back with?

      the inside
      the outside
      Correct answer: the sole

      To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Movement with the ball: dribbling, receiving and turning at pace, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...