Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify basic football skills: passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting.
• Demonstrate techniques for passing and receiving.
• Execute dribbling techniques in practice drills.
• Apply shooting techniques accurately towards a target.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, football is more than just a game; it is a passion that unites communities, from the local "gala" competitions in our neighbourhoods to the unwavering support for our Black Stars. Understanding and mastering the basic skills of football not only allows us to enjoy the game more fully but also promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. This lesson will move beyond just kicking a ball around. We will break down the fundamental skills of passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting, focusing on the correct techniques that form the foundation for any good player.

Lesson notes

This lesson focuses on four fundamental skills in football. We will break down each one. A. Passing: Sharing the Ball Passing is the act of sending the ball to a teammate. It is the most important skill for teamwork. A team that passes well can control the game. Technique 1: The Inside-of-the-Foot Pass (or "Push Pass") When to use it: For short, accurate passes on the ground. It is the most common and reliable pass. How to do it (Step-by-Step): Approach: Take a small step towards the ball. Plant Foot: Place your non-kicking foot beside the ball, about 15-20 cm away, pointing towards your target (your teammate). Your knee should be slightly bent. Kicking Foot: Turn your kicking foot outwards so the inside (the arch) is facing the ball. Lock your ankle to keep it firm. Contact: Strike the middle (the "equator") of the ball with the inside of your foot. Follow-through: Your kicking foot should swing smoothly through the ball towards your target. Imagine you are "pushing" or "sweeping" the ball to your friend. Technique 2: The Instep Pass (or "Laces Pass") When to use it: For longer, more powerful passes, either on the ground or in the air. How to do it (Step-by-Step): Approach: Take a slightly longer run-up for more power. Plant Foot: Place your non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing towards the target. Kicking Foot: Point your toe down and lock your ankle. You want to strike the ball with the hard, bony part on top of your foot (your shoelaces). Contact: Strike the centre of the ball for a low, driven pass, or slightly below the centre to lift it into the air. Follow-through: Swing your leg through powerfully in the direction of the target. B. Receiving: Controlling the Ball Receiving, also called trapping or controlling, is about taking the pace off the ball and bringing it under your control with one touch. A good "first touch" gives you time to decide your next move. Technique 1: Inside-of-the-Foot Control When to use it: To control a pass coming along the ground. How to do it (Step-by-Step): Position: Get in line with the incoming ball. Cushioning: As the ball arrives, present the inside of your foot to it. Impact: Just as the ball makes contact, withdraw your foot slightly. This "cushioning" action absorbs the ball's speed, making it drop gently at your feet instead of bouncing away. Technique 2: Sole-of-the-Foot Control When to use it: To stop a slow-moving ball dead in its tracks. How to do it (Step-by-Step): Position: Face the incoming ball. Contact: Lift your foot slightly, with your toes pointing up, and gently place the sole of your boot on top of the ball as it arrives. Do not stamp on it; just use gentle pressure to stop its momentum. C. Dribbling: Moving with the Ball Dribbling is the skill of moving the ball along the field with your feet while maintaining control. Technique 1: Close Control Dribbling When to use it: When you are in a tight space with defenders nearby. How to do it (Step-by-Step): Body Position: Keep your knees bent and your body low for balance. Touches: Use gentle taps or "tokes" with the inside and outside of your foot. The ball should stay very close to you, almost as if it's tied to your feet with a short string. Head Up: Practice keeping your head up as much as possible to see where you are going and to spot teammates or opponents. Glance down at the ball only when necessary. Technique 2: Speed Dribbling When to use it: When you have open space ahead of you and want to run quickly with the ball. How to do it (Step-by-Step): Touches: Push the ball further ahead of you (2-3 metres) using the top of your foot (the laces). Pace: Run onto the ball after pushing it. This requires fewer touches but allows you to cover ground much faster. D. Shooting: Scoring Goals Shooting is the final act of trying to score. It combines power and accuracy. Technique 1: The Power Shot (Instep Drive) How to do it: The technique is very similar to the instep pass but with a more aggressive and powerful follow-through. Plant Foot: Place your non-kicking foot firmly beside the ball, pointing towards the goal. Contact: Strike the centre of the ball with your laces for maximum power. Follow-through: Your kicking leg should swing through the ball, and your body should move forward, landing on your kicking foot. This momentum generates power. Technique 2: The Placement Shot (Inside-of-the-Foot) When to use it: When you are close to the goal and accuracy is more important than power. How to do it: Use the same technique as the inside-of-the-foot pass. Open up your body and aim to "pass" the ball into a corner of the goal, away from the goalkeeper.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

*(Teacher to demonstrate each drill first before learners attempt it.)*

Activity 1: Partner Passing & Receiving (NaCCA Exemplar Adaptation) Objective: To practice the inside-of-the-foot pass and inside-of-the-foot control. Instructions: Pair up with a partner. Stand about 4 metres apart. Pass the ball to each other on the ground using the inside-of-the-foot technique. Focus on controlling the ball with your first touch before passing it back. After 2 minutes of success, take two steps back to increase the distance to 6 metres, then 8 metres. Solution/Teacher's Observation Checklist: Passing: Is the learner's plant foot next to the ball and pointing to the target? Is the ankle of the kicking foot locked? Is the follow-through smooth? Receiving: Is the learner "cushioning" the ball by withdrawing their foot on impact? Is the ball controlled within one touch, or is it bouncing away? Commentary: "Well done, Kwame. I can see you are pointing your plant foot towards Ama. Now, try to lock your ankle for more accuracy." or "Adwoa, excellent first touch! You killed the speed of the ball perfectly."

Evaluation guide

• Demonstrate the abil ity to
• apply various skills in
• organised sports (e.g.,
• football, handball, etc.)