Ball control
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can control the ball using different body parts.
Key learning points
- Move: cushioning is achieved by moving the foot/body away from the ball on contact to take pace off an incoming ball.
- Think: quick control of the ball gives more time to consider the next move before defenders closes in
- Feel: confidence to use both feet and multiple body parts to control the ball, increase options.
- Connect: providing passive pressure to a partner when developing ball control to support their development.
Keywords
Trap - gaining control of a loose ball at your feet
Cushion - a ball control technique using the body to soften the impact of the ball and make it drop to the feet
Header - a technique to control, pass, shoot or clear a ball with your head
Common misconception
Ball control is mainly about dribbling.
Control of the ball is the fundamental skill that is the basis of other skills such as dribbling, passing or shooting. With good ball control comes an increased opportunity to maintain possession of the ball.
Teacher tip
Please be aware of the FA guidance for heading which is no more than 10 headers per session, therefore adjust/amend as per your interpretation of the guidance.
Equipment
1 football between 2, 30+ cones, 21+ bibs, small football goals
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the skill used to return a ball back into play when it has left the sideline?
Q2.Which part of the foot would likely be used when controlling the football?
Q3.Which part of the upper leg would you likely use to control a ball in the air?
Q4.What is control of a football often referred to as?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does cushioning of a ball reduce?
Q2.Which part of the foot would you use to wedge the ball with the ground?
Q3.How does a defender impact ball control?
Q4.At which point should the ball be under control?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Ball control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Ball control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Non-examined assessment: football practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.