New
New
Year 8

Passing and movement off the ball when attacking

I can pass quickly, accurately and then move into space to be available for another pass.

New
New
Year 8

Passing and movement off the ball when attacking

I can pass quickly, accurately and then move into space to be available for another pass.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: one and two-touch passes speed up the movement of the ball.
  2. Move: players should keep their eyes up to scan all parts of the pitch for space, opportunities and movement of others.
  3. Think: careful timing and good decision making is required to execute runs upfield to create scoring opportunities.
  4. Feel: to continue to improve you must concentrate on gaps and skills you struggle most with, even though it's hard.
  5. Connect: working as a team and supporting each other helps to improve communication.

Keywords

  • Scanning - looking up at all parts of the pitch

  • Possession - when a team maintains control of the ball by passing and moving

  • Pressure - applying defensive intensity to an opponent in possession of the ball

Common misconception

Pupils often think they need to take multiple touches before passing the ball.

Encourage pupils to make quick decisions using one or two touch passes, and encourage pupils to scan before receiving the ball so they know where to pass to next.


To help you plan your year 8 physical education lesson on: Passing and movement off the ball when attacking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

With any skill in football, you can apply the STEP principle to help you think of ways to differentiate. This involves changing the SPACE, TASK, EQUIPMENT or PEOPLE to make activities easier or more challenging.
Teacher tip

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 (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What are we doing when we are looking around at all parts of the pitch?
being nosey
panicking
Correct answer: scanning
Q2.
Which of the following is most important when receiving a pass in football?
stand still
Correct answer: move into space
shout really loud
Q3.
When dribbling with the ball, which of the following is most important?
speed
skill
Correct answer: close control
Q4.
When we create an attacking overload what do we play with?
Correct answer: more attacking players
more defensive players
passing sideways

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
How can performing a one touch pass affect the movement of the ball?
slows it down
Correct answer: speeds it up
adds height
Q2.
What can we develop through supporting each other and providing positive feedback?
conditioning
independence
Correct answer: communication
Q3.
Where should your non-kicking foot be when you make a pass to your teammate?
Correct answer: beside the ball
behind the ball
on the ball
Q4.
What do you need to carefully consider before making a run into an attacking area?
agility
Correct answer: timing
coordination