Games And Sport – Football & Footballing Skills Basic 4 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note

LEARNING AREA

1. Introductory Activities
2. Understanding Football as a Sport
3. Basic Football Skills Development
4. Dribbling Techniques and Practice
5. Shooting Skills and Accuracy
6. Ball Control Methods
7. Goalkeeping Fundamentals
8. Practical Football Games

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, most of the pupils should have attained the following objectives –

1. explain the basic concepts of football as a sport.
2. demonstrate proper dribbling techniques with the ball.
3. perform basic shooting skills with accuracy.
4. show effective ball control using different parts of the foot.
5. display fundamental goalkeeping techniques.
6. apply football skills in game situations.
7. understand the importance of teamwork in football.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Football field or playground

2. Footballs (various sizes appropriate for age group)

3. Goal posts or improvised goals (cones, chairs)

4. Cones or markers for dribbling practice

5. Whistle

6. Gloves for goalkeeping practice

7. Bibs or colored shirts for team identification

8. Charts showing football skills

9. First aid kit

10. Water for hydration

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

• Scheme of Work
• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Physical Education Curriculum
• FIFA Laws of the Game (simplified)
• Football Coaching Manual
• All Relevant Material
• Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

LESSON 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FOOTBALL

WHAT IS FOOTBALL?

Football (also called soccer in some countries) is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective is to score goals by getting the ball into the opponent’s goal using any part of the body except hands and arms.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF FOOTBALL:

1. Team Sport: Requires cooperation and teamwork
2. Ball Game: Played with a spherical ball
3. Goal-Oriented: Aim is to score more goals than opponent
4. Time-Limited: Played in specific time periods
5. Skill-Based: Requires various technical abilities
6. Physical Activity: Promotes fitness and health

BASIC FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT:

• Football: Round ball appropriate for age group
• Goal Posts: Target areas for scoring
• Playing Field: Marked area for the game
• Appropriate Footwear: For grip and safety

LESSON 2 – FUNDAMENTAL FOOTBALL SKILLS

Football requires the development of several key skills that work together to make an effective player:

THE FOUR MAIN SKILLS:

1. DRIBBLING – Moving with the ball
2. SHOOTING – Striking the ball toward goal
3. BALL CONTROL – Receiving and controlling the ball
4. GOALKEEPING – Preventing goals (specialist skill)

Each skill requires practice, patience, and proper technique development.

LESSON 3 – DRIBBLING SKILLS

WHAT IS DRIBBLING?

Dribbling is the skill of moving with the ball while maintaining control, usually to beat opponents or move into better positions.

BASIC DRIBBLING TECHNIQUES:

1. CLOSE CONTROL DRIBBLING

Technique:

• Keep ball close to feet (within playing distance)
• Use small touches with inside of foot
• Keep head up to see the field
• Maintain body balance
• Use both feet alternately

Practice Method:

• Start walking with ball using inside of both feet
• Progress to jogging with ball
• Practice in straight lines first
• Add gentle turns and curves

2. RUNNING WITH THE BALL

Technique:

• Push ball forward with outside of foot
• Take larger touches when space is available
• Keep ball 2-3 feet ahead when running
• Maintain speed while controlling ball
• Be ready to slow down when opponents approach

Practice Method:

• Run with ball in straight line
• Practice with both feet
• Add speed changes (slow to fast)
• Include direction changes

3. CHANGE OF DIRECTION DRIBBLING

Technique:

• Use inside and outside of both feet
• Plant non-kicking foot beside ball
• Push ball in new direction with other foot
• Keep body low for better balance
• Practice sharp turns and gentle curves

4. SIMPLE MOVES TO BEAT OPPONENTS

Stop and Go:

• Stop ball with sole of foot
• Pretend to change direction
• Quickly continue forward

Step Over:

• Step over or around ball without touching
• Confuse opponent about intended direction
• Push ball away with outside of other foot

DRIBBLING PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:

1. Cone Dribbling:

• Set up cones in straight line (2 meters apart)
• Dribble through cones using both feet
• Focus on control and technique

2. Square Dribbling:

• Mark out 10×10 meter square
• Dribble freely within square
• Avoid other players also dribbling

3. Follow the Leader:

• One player dribbles, others follow
• Change leaders regularly
• Practice different dribbling techniques

LESSON 4 – SHOOTING SKILLS

WHAT IS SHOOTING?

Shooting is the skill of striking the ball powerfully and accurately toward the goal to score.

BASIC SHOOTING TECHNIQUES:

1. INSIDE FOOT SHOT (ACCURACY SHOT)

Technique:

• Plant non-kicking foot beside ball
• Use inside of foot to strike ball
• Keep foot firm and knee over ball
• Follow through toward target
• Keep head steady and eyes on ball

When to Use:

• Close to goal (inside penalty area)
• When accuracy is more important than power
• For placement shots in corners

2. INSTEP SHOT (POWER SHOT)

Technique:

• Approach ball from slight angle
• Plant non-kicking foot beside ball
• Strike ball with instep (laces area)
• Keep knee over ball for low shot
• Follow through with leg swing

When to Use:

• From medium to long distance
• When power is needed
• For shots through crowded areas

3. LOW SHOT TECHNIQUE

Key Points:

• Keep knee over ball when striking
• Strike ball through its center
• Follow through low and forward
• Aim for bottom corners of goal

4. SHOOTING PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:

Target Practice:

• Set up targets in goal corners
• Practice hitting targets from different distances
• Use both feet for shooting

1v1 Shooting:

• One player shoots, goalkeeper tries to save
• Take turns being shooter and keeper
• Practice shooting under pressure

Moving Ball Shots:

• Have teammate roll ball to you
• Practice shooting first time (without controlling)
• Focus on timing and technique

LESSON 5 – BALL CONTROL SKILLS

WHAT IS BALL CONTROL?

Ball control is the ability to receive, trap, and manipulate the ball effectively when it comes to you from various directions and speeds.

BASIC BALL CONTROL TECHNIQUES:

1. INSIDE FOOT CONTROL

Technique:

• Position body to face incoming ball
• Extend receiving foot toward ball
• Use inside of foot as a cushion
• Pull foot back slightly on contact
• Control ball close to body

Use: Most common control for ground balls

2. SOLE OF FOOT CONTROL

Technique:

• Lift foot slightly off ground
• Place sole of foot on top of ball
• Apply gentle pressure to stop ball
• Keep balance on other foot
• Be ready for next action

Use: For stopping rolling balls quickly

3. CHEST CONTROL (For older/taller students)

Technique:

• Position body in line with ball
• Stick chest out to meet ball
• Cushion ball by withdrawing chest on contact
• Let ball drop to feet
• Maintain balance throughout

Use: For balls coming at chest height

4. THIGH CONTROL

Technique:

• Lift thigh to horizontal position
• Cushion ball with flat part of thigh
• Pull thigh back on contact
• Let ball drop to ground
• Control with feet

Use: For balls at waist height

BALL CONTROL PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:

1. Wall Practice:

• Throw ball against wall
• Control rebound with different body parts
• Start with gentle throws, increase speed

2. Partner Control:

• Work in pairs
• One throws, other controls and returns
• Practice with different body parts

3. Juggling (Basic):

• Keep ball in air using feet, thigh, chest
• Start with catching after each touch
• Progress to continuous touches

LESSON 6 – GOALKEEPING SKILLS

WHAT IS GOALKEEPING?

Goalkeeping is the specialized skill of preventing the ball from entering the goal. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use hands within their penalty area.

BASIC GOALKEEPING TECHNIQUES:

1. READY POSITION

Stance:

• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Knees slightly bent
• Hands ready at waist level
• Body balanced and alert
• Eyes focused on ball

2. CATCHING THE BALL

High Balls:

• Position under the ball
• Reach up with both hands
• Form “W” shape with thumbs and fingers
• Catch ball at highest point
• Bring ball securely to chest

Ground Balls:

• Get body behind ball
• Bend knees and get low
• Scoop ball up with both hands
• Secure ball against body

3. DIVING SAVES (Basic)

Technique:

• Push off with foot nearest to ball
• Extend body toward ball
• Lead with hands to ball
• Try to catch or push ball away
• Land safely on side

4. DISTRIBUTION (THROWING)

Bowling:

• Roll ball along ground to teammate
• Use underarm bowling action
• Aim for teammate’s feet

Overarm Throw:

• Throw ball overarm to teammate
• Use strong, accurate throw
• Aim for teammate’s chest or feet

GOALKEEPING PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:

1. Catching Practice:

• Coach throws balls at different heights
• Practice catching and securing ball
• Start close, gradually increase distance

2. Diving Practice:

• Start on knees, dive to catch balls
• Progress to standing dives
• Use soft surface for safety

3. Distribution Practice:

• Practice throwing to targets
• Work on accuracy and distance
• Include both bowling and overarm throws

LESSON 7 – COMBINING SKILLS IN GAME SITUATIONS

SMALL-SIDED GAMES:

3v3 Football:

• Teams of 3 players each
• Smaller field area
• More touches for each player
• Emphasizes skill development

4v4 Football:

• Teams of 4 players each
• Include goalkeepers
• Focus on teamwork and skill application

Skill Challenges:

• Dribbling races
• Shooting competitions
• Ball control contests
• Goalkeeping challenges

GAME RULES (SIMPLIFIED):

Basic Rules:

1. No hands except for goalkeepers in penalty area
2. Ball out of play = throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick
3. Goals scored by getting ball completely over goal line
4. Fair play and sportsmanship emphasized
5. Rotate positions so all players try different skills

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

1. To introduce the lesson, the teacher revises previous lessons on games and sports. Based on this, he/she asks pupils about their favorite ball games;
2. Explains what football is and demonstrates basic ball handling (without hands);

Pupil’s Activities – Practice basic ball touching and rolling with feet only.

1. Demonstrates and teaches dribbling techniques starting with walking;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice dribbling with both feet, first walking then jogging with the ball.

1. Shows shooting techniques and sets up target practice;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice shooting at targets using both inside foot and instep techniques.

1. Teaches ball control methods using different body parts;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice controlling thrown balls using feet, thigh, and chest (where appropriate).

1. Introduces goalkeeping basics with catching and diving practice;

Pupil’s Activities – Take turns being goalkeeper and practice catching balls thrown by teacher.

1. Organizes small-sided games combining all skills;

Pupil’s Activities – Play 3v3 or 4v4 games applying learned skills in game situations.

1. Emphasizes teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship throughout;

Pupil’s Activities – Demonstrate good sportsmanship by encouraging teammates and respecting opponents.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises all football skills covered and links them to the following week’s lesson on football rules and team tactics.

NEXT LESSON

Football Rules, Positions, and Basic Team Tactics – Physical Education Primary

LESSON EVALUATION

Asks pupils to:

1. Demonstrate dribbling with both feet over 20 meters
2. Show three different ball control techniques
3. Score 3 out of 5 shots on target from 10 meters
4. Display basic goalkeeping stance and catching
5. Apply skills effectively in small-sided game

WORKBOOK

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT (TEST)

1. Football is played with _______ players on each team. A. Ten B. Eleven
2. In football, players cannot use their _______ except goalkeepers. A. Feet B. Hands
3. Dribbling means moving with the _______. A. Ball B. Team
4. When shooting for accuracy, use the _______ of the foot. A. Inside B. Heel
5. The goalkeeper can use hands only in the _______. A. Goal area B. Penalty area
6. Ball control means _______ the ball when it comes to you. A. Kicking away B. Receiving and controlling
7. For power shots, use the _______ of the foot. A. Instep (laces) B. Outside
8. Good dribbling requires keeping the ball _______ to your feet. A. Close B. Far
9. When catching high balls, goalkeepers should form a _______ with their hands. A. Circle B. “W” shape
10. List the four main football skills: a. _________________ b. _________________ c. _________________ d. _________________