New
New
Year 10
AQA

Ball control

I can control the ball using different body parts.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Ball control

I can control the ball using different body parts.

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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: cushioning is achieved by moving the foot/body away from the ball on contact to take pace off an incoming ball.
  2. Think: quick control of the ball gives more time to consider the next move before defenders closes in
  3. Feel: confidence to use both feet and multiple body parts to control the ball, increase options.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Ball control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 football between 2, 30+ cones, 21+ bibs, small football goals

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 is the skill used to return a ball back into play when it has left the sideline?
Correct answer: throw-in
gaol kick
corner
Q2.
Which part of the foot would likely be used when controlling the football?
top
Correct answer: inside
toes
Q3.
Which part of the upper leg would you likely use to control a ball in the air?
knee
hip
Correct answer: thigh
Q4.
What is control of a football often referred to as?
Correct answer: 1st touch
1st option
receiver

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What does cushioning of a ball reduce?
time
distance
Correct answer: impact
Q2.
Which part of the foot would you use to wedge the ball with the ground?
Correct answer: sole
top
heal
Q3.
How does a defender impact ball control?
Correct answer: create pressure
offer an outlet
provide space
Q4.
At which point should the ball be under control?
Correct Answer: 1st touch, first touch