# Fundamental Skills of Sports – Football

## Overview

This chapter introduces the essential skills of football, a globally loved sport played between two teams of 11 players. It focuses on developing technical abilities, teamwork, and coordination. Each skill is taught through structured steps including warm-up, execution, follow-through, lead-up drills, and reflection activities during circle time.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Kicking the Ball with the Inside of the Foot
- **Purpose**: For accurate passing and controlled shooting.
- **Steps**:
- *Approach*: Non-kicking foot beside the ball; aim at the target.
- *Execution*: Swing the kicking leg, lock ankle with toes out.
- *Follow-Through*: Foot moves in direction of target.
- **Activity**: Partner passing drill with increasing distance (3m–7m).

### 2. Receiving the Ball with the Inside of the Foot
- **Purpose**: To control the ball and prepare for the next move.
- **Steps**:
- *Approach*: Align body to incoming ball.
- *Execution*: Use instep to cushion and slow the ball.
- *Follow-Through*: Foot draws back during contact for cushioning.
- **Activity**: Partner drill to receive and control passes.

### 3. Passing the Rolling Ball
- **Purpose**: To transfer the ball accurately under game pressure.
- **Steps**:
- *Approach*: Body positioning and observation.
- *Execution*: Use inside of foot for control and direction.
- *Follow-Through*: Smooth motion for power and accuracy.
- **Activity**: Passing in a small space under defensive pressure.

### 4. Step Trapping
- **Purpose**: To stop and control a moving ball.
- **Steps**:
- *Approach*: Get behind the ball, maintain balance.
- *Execution*: Stop ball with foot on top or absorb a bounce.
- *Follow-Through*: Prepare for next move immediately.
- **Activity**: Trapping game with points inside a marked box.

### 5. Dribbling
- **Purpose**: To move the ball while running or changing directions.
- **Steps**:
- *Approach*: Slightly bend knees, keep ball close.
- *Execution*: Use both feet with light touches, eyes up.
- *Follow-Through*: Keep control and plan next action.
- **Activity**: Dribbling through cones in a time-based challenge.

### 6. Feinting
- **Purpose**: To deceive opponents by faking movement.
- **Steps**:
- *Approach*: Low posture, simulate a move.
- *Execution*: Exaggerate fake, quickly change direction.
- *Follow-Through*: Move past opponent to shoot, dribble, or pass.
- **Activity**: Partner drill with attacker-defender roles.

### 7. Kicking the Ball for Accuracy

* **Purpose**: To develop precision and controlled direction.
* **Steps**:

* Set up a circle with scoring zones.
* Players aim to kick the ball close to the central marker.
* Points awarded based on accuracy.
* **Activity**: Multiple rounds to improve performance and increase challenge by widening the distance.

### 8. Passing the Ball in the Air

* **Purpose**: For long-distance passes and playing over obstacles.
* **Steps**:

* *Approach*: Align body and adjust position.
* *Execution*: Use instep to kick lower half of ball.
* *Follow-Through*: Maintain balance and continue movement.
* **Activity**: Pair drill with stump in the middle; score by sending the ball over the stump.

### 9. Pass and Move Relay Drill

* **Purpose**: To develop passing, receiving, and dribbling in sequence.
* **Steps**:

* Short pass to nearby player → return pass → long pass → dribble back.
* Repeat in cycles with different players.
* **Activity**: Relay format with emphasis on movement after passing.

### 10. Interception

* **Purpose**: Defensive skill to gain possession by intercepting opponent's pass.
* **Steps**:

* *Approach*: Stay alert with bent knees.
* *Execution*: Time movement and cut in to intercept.
* *Follow-Through*: Control ball and switch to attack.
* **Activity**: Circle game with defenders intercepting passes.

### 11. Front Block Tackling

* **Purpose**: To dispossess opponent without committing a foul.
* **Steps**:

* *Approach*: Get close with forward-leaning body.
* *Execution*: Use inside of foot to block ball.
* *Follow-Through*: Resume position and prepare for next play.
* **Activity**: 1v1 challenge to gain control using foot pressure.

### 12. Goalkeeping

* **Purpose**: To stop goals using hands and proper positioning.
* **Steps**:

* *Approach*: W-stance, eyes on ball.
* *Execution*: Create a “basket” with hands, absorb force.
* *Follow-Through*: Secure ball to body after catch.
* **Activity**: Zigzag cone drill with catching thrown balls.

### 13. 5-a-side Match

* **Purpose**: To apply all learned skills in a short, competitive game.
* **Format**:

* Small field (30x40 yards), 5-minute games.
* Winning teams proceed to next round.
* **Reflection**: Players discuss behavior, teamwork, and skill application.

---

## New Terms and Definitions

| Term | Simple Definition |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Instep | The top part of your foot used for kicking. |
| Dribble | To move the ball while walking or running using short touches. |
| Trap | To stop or control the ball using feet. |
| Feint | A fake move to trick an opponent. |
| Interception | To take the ball from a pass meant for someone else. |
| Tackling | A way to get the ball from the opponent safely. |
| Goalkeeper | A player who defends the goal and can use hands inside a special area. |
| Accuracy | Hitting the target exactly as intended. |
| Circle Time | Group discussion after the activity to reflect and learn. |
| Follow-through | The movement of body after completing a skill. |

---

## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. What part of the foot is used to pass the ball accurately?

* **Answer**: Inside of the foot.
* **Explanation**: It provides better control and direction.

2. What is the main role of a goalkeeper?

* **Answer**: To stop the ball from entering the goal using hands.
* **Explanation**: The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use hands within the penalty area.

3. Define "Dribbling" in football.

* **Answer**: Moving the ball with short touches while walking or running.
* **Explanation**: It helps maintain control and evade opponents.

### Medium (2)

4. Why is follow-through important in football skills?

* **Answer**: It ensures balance and accuracy in movements.
* **Explanation**: It helps maintain momentum and prepares the player for the next action.

5. What is the purpose of feinting?

* **Answer**: To deceive the opponent and move in another direction.
* **Explanation**: It helps the player create space or avoid a tackle.

### Difficult (3)

6. How do you trap a low-bouncing ball effectively?

* **Answer**: Extend your foot and pull it back just before contact.
* **Explanation**: This cushions the impact and stops the ball.

7. What happens in the “Pass and Move Relay Drill”?

* **Answer**: Players pass and dribble the ball in a sequence.
* **Explanation**: It develops passing accuracy and movement coordination.

8. How does one perform an aerial pass?

* **Answer**: Strike the lower part of the ball with the instep.
* **Explanation**: It lifts the ball into the air for long-distance passes.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. Explain how a defender uses “Front Block Tackling” without fouling.

* **Answer**: By timing the approach and using the inside of the foot to block the ball.
* **Explanation**: It avoids contact with the player while successfully dispossessing them.

10. What techniques help increase accuracy in kicking?

* **Answer**: Good foot positioning, balance, and focus on the target.
* **Explanation**: All these improve the chances of hitting the ball where intended.

---