Unit 1A

Football

Unit 1A Football

8

Introduction

In this unit, you will learn more about the game of football. We will look at

the technical and tactical parts of football.

The technical part includes:

ϐ Passing – Changing speed quickly when you want to pass and

control the ball in a game.

ϐ Dribbling – Using both feet to dribble with control or to change

speed and direction quickly

ϐ Shooting – Using power and accuracy to score goals in small-sided

games

The tactical part includes:

ϐ Defending – Making less open space through movements, such as

jockeying

ϐ Spatial awareness – Discussing ways to make more and less space

when you attack and defend

ϐ Tactics – Using advanced tactics to defend and attack in games

Areas of focus

ϐ Technical parts

ϐ Tactical parts

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Learning outcomes

ϐ Passes and receives a ball with both sides of the feet while moving

in small-sided gameplay (G8.1.8)

ϐ Dribbles with control, change of speed and direction in small-sided

gameplay (G8.1.9)

ϐ Strikes using a mature pattern with reasonable accuracy in

conditioned gameplay (G8.1.10)

ϐ Executes at least two offensive tactics to create open space (e.g.

creates width, moves into open space without the ball, uses a

variety of passes, pivots and fakes, uses give and go) (G8.2.1)

ϐ Executes at least two defensive tactics to reduce open space (e.g.

stays goal side of the offensive player reducing the distance to him/

her) (G8.2.2)

ϐ Transitions from offence to defence or defence to offence by

recovering quickly, communicating with teammates and setting up

an appropriate offensive or defensive shape (G8.2.3)

ϐ Demonstrates etiquette and respect towards teammates,

opponents and officials in a competitive environment (G8.4.1)

ϐ Cooperates with multiple classmates on problem-solving initiatives,

including adventure activities, large-group initiatives and gameplay

(G8.4.3)

ϐ Describes the behaviours necessary for providing support to others

(e.g. listening to a friend in difficulty) and promoting emotional

health and well-being (G8.5.3)

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Keywords

Word Form Definition

accuracy nounsending the ball where you want it to go, for

example, towards the goal or another player

attack verb

to try and score a point against another team or

player; to try and get the advantage over another

team or player

awareness noun understanding the area around you

communicate verbto share information with others by speaking,

writing or moving your body

defend verb to protect your goal from the other team

etiquette nounto behave with respect towards your teammates,

opponents and officials

evade verbto get away from an opponent or use your body to

move around them (for example, dodging)

jockey verbto use your skills to get into a better position than

your opponent

offensive nounwhen you or your teammates actively attack in a

game

possession nounwhen you or your teammates have control of the

ball

tackle verb to try and take the ball from another player

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Dribbling

Activity 1

Why is it important to be able to dribble well in football?

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Activity 2

You are trying to dribble the ball away from a defender. Describe two

evasive actions you can use.

Belgian footballer Eden Hazard has a successful dribbling rate of 73.4%. This makes him the best dribbler of the ball in the top 5 leagues in Europe!

FastFact

1.

2.

Unit 1A Football

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Advanced passing and receiving skills

A player needs to be confident when passing and receiving the ball.

This helps them to keep possession of the ball. Passing can be varied by

changing the distance, angle and directions used.

Activity 3

Describe three techniques for passing. These can be used in a match to

evade opponents.

1.

2.

3.

Use the pass techniques you wrote above. How might receiving the ball

change with each technique? Explain.

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Use different passes. It makes it hard for the defender to know where you will pass the ball.It is important to practice short and long passes.

TopTip

Unit 1A Football

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Shooting technique

Shooting is the most important skill for scoring goals.

Activity 4

Look at the actions below. Which are examples of good shooting

techniques for an attacker? Circle your answers.

Position your body away from the ball.

Have a balanced body.

Use the laces of your boot.

Use the top of your head.

Miss the ball.

Follow through with the kick.

Keep your eyes on the ball.

Wave your arms around.

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Activity 5

There are many different ways to score a goal in a football match. You

can score a goal using a free kick, volley or header. Draw a picture of you

scoring a goal.

See Elite Extension Activity E1

Unit 1A Football

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Attacking tactics

Activity 6

Your team is losing 1 – 2. There are only 10 minutes left in the match. Your

opponent has changed tactics. More of other the team’s players are now

defending. Draw two attacking formations you could use to win.

See Elite Extension Activity E2

Formation 1

Formation 2

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Defensive tactics and techniques

When you defend, it is important to keep the attacker and the ball in front

of you and your teammates.

Activity 7

Explain why it is important to keep the attacker and the ball in front of you

when defending your goal.

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Communication is required for a team to work together effectively.

Activity 8

Read the sentences below. Tick the situations in which you

think communication would help a teammate.

Asking for support to reduce space when you defend

Telling a teammate where to move

Telling a teammate to defend against an attacker

Asking or telling a teammate where to pass the ball

Shouting at an opponent

Khaled Aldhanhani is an Emirati footballer. He uses communication and defensive tactics to help the UAE National Team win games.

DidKnow

You ?

Unit 1A Football

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Elite extension activities

Activity E1

Look at Activity 5. What type of shot is this? Why is this an example of good

shooting technique?

Type of shot:

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Why:

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Activity E2

Choose one of the formations you have drawn in Activity 6. Explain how

this formation could help your team score.

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