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      Passing and movement off the ball when attacking

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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.
      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

      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

      To help you plan your 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...