Football Game Basic 6 Basic Technology Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Compare between facilities and equipment in football and other ball games
• Demonstrate basic skills in football game
• Investigate the advantages of playing football
• Recommend safety measures in playing football

Content

What is Football (Soccer)? Football is a team sport where two teams of eleven players each try to score goals by kicking a ball into the opponent’s goal. It is the most popular sport in the world.

FACILITIES IN FOOTBALL (Fixed structures)

1. Football Pitch/Field

• Rectangular grass or artificial turf
• Length: 90-120 meters
• Width: 45-90 meters
• Marked with white lines

2. Goal Posts

• Two posts at each end
• Height: 2.44 meters (8 feet)
• Width: 7.32 meters (24 feet)
• Net attached behind goal

3. Goal Area

• Small box around goal
• 5.5 meters from goal line

4. Penalty Area (18-yard box)

• Larger box around goal
• Where goalkeeper can use hands
• 16.5 meters from goal line

5. Penalty Spot

• Mark 11 meters from goal
• Where penalty kicks are taken

6. Center Circle

• Circle in middle of field
• Diameter: 9.15 meters
• Where game starts (kick-off)

7. Corner Arcs

• Small quarter-circles at four corners
• Where corner kicks are taken

8. Halfway Line

• Divides field into two halves

EQUIPMENT IN FOOTBALL (Movable items)

1. Football/Soccer Ball

• Round, inflated ball
• Usually white or multicolored
• Size 5 for adults (ages 12+)
• Size 4 for children (ages 8-12)
• Made of leather or synthetic material

2. Uniforms/Kit

• Jersey/shirt (with number)
• Shorts
• Socks (usually long, knee-high)
• Team colors

3. Shin Guards

• Protective pads worn under socks
• Protect shins from kicks
• Mandatory equipment

4. Football Boots/Cleats

• Special shoes with studs on bottom
• Provide grip on grass
• Protect feet

5. Goalkeeper Gloves

• Special gloves for goalkeeper
• Help catch and hold ball
• Protect hands

6. Goalkeeper Jersey

• Different color from teammates
• Easy to identify goalkeeper

7. Whistle

• Used by referee

8. Flags

• Used by assistant referees (linesmen)

9. Cones

• Used for training and drills

COMPARISON WITH OTHER BALL GAMES

BASIC SKILLS IN FOOTBALL

1. Dribbling

• Moving ball with feet while running
• Keep ball close to feet
• Use both feet
• Keep head up to see field
• Change direction quickly

2. Passing

• Inside of foot pass: Most accurate, short passes
• Outside of foot pass: Curved passes
• Instep pass: Long, powerful passes
• Look at target before passing
• Pass to teammate’s feet or space

3. Shooting

• Kicking ball toward goal to score
• Use laces (top of foot) for power
• Aim for corners of goal
• Follow through after kick
• Practice accuracy first, then power

4. Heading

• Using forehead to hit ball
• Keep eyes open
• Hit ball with flat part of forehead
• Jump if ball is high
• Used for passing and scoring

5. Trapping/Receiving

• Controlling ball when it comes to you
• Use foot, thigh, or chest
• Cushion ball to stop it
• Get ball under control quickly

6. Tackling

• Taking ball away from opponent
• Use feet, not hands
• Time tackle carefully
• Stay on feet
• Fair play – don’t kick opponent

7. Goalkeeping (Special skills)

• Catching ball with hands
• Diving to save shots
• Punching ball away
• Throwing/kicking ball to teammates
• Positioning in goal

BASIC RULES OF FOOTBALL

1. No Hands (except goalkeeper in penalty area)
2. Offside: Can’t be ahead of last defender when ball is passed to you
3. Throw-ins: When ball goes out on sideline, throw it back in
4. Corner kicks: When defender kicks ball over own goal line
5. Goal kicks: When attacker kicks ball over goal line
6. Free kicks: Given for fouls
7. Penalty kicks: For fouls in penalty area
8. Yellow card: Warning for bad behavior
9. Red card: Sent off field for serious foul
10. Game time: Two 45-minute halves (adults), shorter for children

ADVANTAGES OF PLAYING FOOTBALL

Physical Benefits:

1. Cardiovascular Fitness – Running improves heart and lungs
2. Builds Stamina – Can run for long periods
3. Leg Strength – Strong leg muscles from kicking and running
4. Coordination – Hand-eye and foot-eye coordination
5. Speed and Agility – Quick movements and direction changes
6. Flexibility – Stretching and varied movements
7. Weight Control – Burns many calories
8. Bone Strength – Running strengthens bones
9. Balance – Improves overall balance

Mental Benefits:

1. Strategic Thinking – Planning plays and tactics
2. Quick Decision Making – Fast-paced game requires quick thinking
3. Concentration – Must focus for entire game
4. Discipline – Following rules and training schedules
5. Stress Relief – Exercise reduces stress
6. Confidence – Improves self-esteem
7. Problem Solving – Finding ways to score and defend

Social Benefits:

1. Teamwork – Must work together to win
2. Communication – Calling for ball, giving instructions
3. Friendship – Builds bonds with teammates
4. Sportsmanship – Learning to win and lose gracefully
5. Leadership – Team captains develop leadership
6. Social Skills – Interacting with team and opponents
7. Cultural Exchange – Football played worldwide
8. Community – Brings people together
9. Respect – For teammates, opponents, referees

Life Skills:

1. Time Management – Balancing practice and studies
2. Goal Setting – Working to improve skills
3. Perseverance – Not giving up when losing
4. Dealing with Pressure – Performing under stress
5. Teamwork – Essential for success in life

SAFETY MEASURES IN FOOTBALL

Before Playing:

1. Warm Up Properly (10-15 minutes) 
   1. Light jogging
   2. Stretching muscles
   3. Practice kicks and passes
2. Wear Proper Equipment 
   1. Football boots that fit well
   2. Shin guards (mandatory)
   3. Appropriate clothing
   4. Remove jewelry
3. Check Playing Area 
   1. Ensure field is safe (no holes, glass, stones)
   2. Goal posts are secure
   3. Lines are clearly marked
   4. No dangerous objects on field
4. Stay Hydrated 
   1. Drink water before playing
   2. Have water available
5. Know Your Fitness Level 
   1. Don’t play if injured or sick
   2. Build fitness gradually

During Play:

1. Follow the Rules – Rules exist for safety
2. Fair Play – No dangerous tackles or pushing
3. Communicate – Call for ball, warn teammates
4. Stay Alert – Watch for other players and ball
5. Control Your Actions – Don’t play aggressively
6. Drink Water Regularly – During breaks
7. Report Injuries Immediately – Don’t play through pain
8. Respect Referee – Follow all decisions
9. Play Your Position – Don’t crowd areas
10. Wear Shin Guards – Always, even in practice

After Playing:

1. Cool Down – Light jogging and stretching
2. Treat Minor Injuries – Ice, rest, elevate
3. Report Serious Injuries – See doctor if needed
4. Rehydrate – Drink plenty of water
5. Rest – Allow body to recover

Specific Safety Tips:

• Goalkeepers: Dive correctly to avoid injury
• Headers: Use forehead, not top of head
• Tackles: Go for ball, not player
• Collisions: Try to avoid, but if unavoidable, protect yourself
• Weather: Don’t play in lightning; be careful in rain (slippery)

Common Football Injuries and Prevention:

1. Ankle Sprains – Wear proper boots, strengthen ankles
2. Knee Injuries – Proper tackling technique, warm up well
3. Muscle Strains – Stretch before playing, don’t overdo it
4. Shin Injuries – Always wear shin guards
5. Head Injuries – Proper heading technique, report concussions

Emergency Preparedness:

• Have first aid kit available
• Know location of nearest medical help
• Have coach or adult supervise games
• Know how to call for emergency help

Activities

• Dribbling practice through cones
• Passing drills in pairs
• Shooting practice at goal
• Small-sided games (5 vs 5)
• Trapping and control exercises
• Mini tournament