Calling for the Ball: Communication in Primary 5 Football

Primary 5 Football Communication on the Field
First Term Lesson Notes – Week 2

Subject: Physical and Health Education (Football Communication)
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 9-10 years
Topic: Calling for the Ball
Sub-topic: How to Properly Ask for the Ball, Using Vocal Cues, and Eye Contact for Receiving Passes
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Explain how to properly call for the ball during a football game.
2. Use specific phrases like “pass,” “here,” and “switch” effectively during play.
3. Demonstrate proper eye contact and body positioning when asking for and receiving a pass.

Keywords

• Pass
• Call
• Here
• Switch
• Eye contact
• Body positioning

Set Induction

Ask pupils how they get their friends’ attention during play. Let them see that in football, players must call for the ball clearly so their teammates know who is ready to receive it. Link this to how using the right words and body positioning helps in better play.

Entry Behaviour

The pupils understand how to communicate in basic terms with their friends during play.

Learning Resources and Materials

1. Football
2. Cones for passing drills
3. Bibs or jerseys for practice games
4. Chalkboard/Whiteboard for phrase writing

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils learned the basics of communication and signals in Week 1. Now, they will focus on how to call for the ball properly using specific vocal cues and positioning.

Embedded Core Skills

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Observation skills

Learning Materials

• Football
• Training bibs
• Cones for setting up drills

Reference Book

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Physical and Health Education, Primary 5

Instructional Materials

1. Video clips showing players calling for the ball in real-time during football matches.
2. Posters with commonly used phrases during play.

Content

1. How to Properly Ask for the Ball Using Vocal Cues:
   • Use short, clear phrases like “pass,” “here,” or “switch.”
   • Say your teammate’s name to get their attention when asking for the ball.
   • Avoid shouting loudly, instead, speak at a clear, audible level.
2. Using Phrases like “Pass,” “Here,” “Switch” During Play:
   • “Pass”: Use this to ask your teammate to give you the ball.
   • “Here”: Call this out when you are in a good position to receive the ball.
   • “Switch”: Use this to ask your teammate to change the direction of play to the opposite side.
3. Eye Contact and Body Positioning for Receiving Passes:
   • Make eye contact with your teammate to show you are ready for the ball.
   • Stand in a position where you can easily receive the ball and move forward.
   • Always have your body facing the direction of play when asking for the ball.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. To ask for the ball, you can say __________.
   a) Jump
   b) Pass
   c) Stop
   d) Sit
2. “Here” means you are in a good position to __________.
   a) Sleep
   b) Dance
   c) Receive the ball
   d) Sing
3. Making __________ with your teammate helps them know you are ready for the ball.
   a) Noises
   b) Eye contact
   c) Faces
   d) Signs
4. When you want your teammate to switch the play, you say __________.
   a) Here
   b) Switch
   c) Pass
   d) Stop
5. Always keep your body __________ the direction of play.
   a) Facing
   b) Opposite
   c) Away from
   d) Back to

15 FAQs with Answers

1. Q: What should you say when you want the ball?
   A: You should say “Pass” or “Here.”
2. Q: Why is it important to call for the ball?
   A: So your teammate knows you are ready to receive the ball.
3. Q: What does “switch” mean?
   A: It means to change the direction of play to the opposite side.
4. Q: How can you show your teammate you are ready to receive the ball?
   A: By making eye contact and standing in a good position.
5. Q: What is the best way to get your teammate’s attention during a game?
   A: Call their name and use short phrases like “Pass” or “Here.”
6. Q: When should you call for the ball?
   A: When you are in a good position to receive it.
7. Q: How can body positioning help when receiving a pass?
   A: It allows you to control the ball better and move forward quickly.
8. Q: Should you always shout to ask for the ball?
   A: No, speak clearly but not too loudly.
9. Q: What happens if you don’t make eye contact with your teammate?
   A: They might not see that you are ready for the ball.
10. Q: Why is it important to face the direction of play?
    A: So you can quickly receive the ball and move towards the goal.
11. Q: Can you use “pass” and “here” in practice games?
    A: Yes, it helps you build communication for real matches.
12. Q: What should you do if your teammate doesn’t hear you call for the ball?
    A: Try again or use a hand gesture to get their attention.
13. Q: What does “here” mean in football?
    A: It means you are in a good position and want the ball.
14. Q: Should you always make eye contact before receiving a pass?
    A: Yes, it helps your teammate know you are ready.
15. Q: How does proper communication improve passing in football?
    A: It ensures the ball is passed to the right player at the right time.

Presentation (Steps 1-3)

Step 1:
The teacher revises last week’s topic on communication basics.

Step 2:
The teacher explains how to call for the ball using vocal cues. Phrases like “pass,” “here,” and “switch” are introduced with examples. Eye contact and body positioning are also demonstrated.

Step 3:
Pupils are organized into small groups for practice drills where they must call for the ball using vocal cues and proper body positioning.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the different phrases used in football to call for the ball.
• Demonstrate how to use eye contact and body positioning to receive a pass.
• Set up passing drills where pupils practice calling for the ball with clear instructions.

Learners’ Activities

• Pupils practice calling for the ball using phrases like “Pass” and “Here.”
• Pupils demonstrate how to make eye contact and position their bodies to receive a pass.
• Pupils participate in small-sided games where they apply communication skills.

Assessment

1. What phrase can you use to ask for the ball?
2. When should you use the phrase “switch” during play?
3. How does eye contact help in football?
4. What should your body positioning be when asking for the ball?
5. Why is it important to make clear calls during a football game?

Evaluation Questions

1. What should you say when you want the ball?
2. How do you ask for a switch of play?
3. Why is eye contact important when receiving a pass?
4. What should you do if you are in a good position to receive the ball?
5. Explain how body positioning helps in football.
6. When should you say “Here” during a game?
7. Why do you need to face the direction of play?
8. What happens if you don’t call for the ball clearly?
9. Why is vocal communication important in football?
10. What does “pass” mean in football?

Conclusion

The teacher observes the pupils during the drills, corrects any mistakes, and provides feedback on their use of vocal cues and body positioning. The session is concluded by emphasizing the importance of clear communication for successful teamwork on the field.