Mastering Communication in Small-Sided Football Games

Primary 5 Football Communication on the Field
First Term Lesson Notes – Week 8


Subject: Physical and Health Education (Football Communication)
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 9-10 years
Topic: Communication in Small-Sided Games
Sub-topic: Enhancing Teamwork and Communication in Small-Sided Drills
Duration: 40 Minutes


Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Identify the importance of communication during small-sided games.
  2. Demonstrate quick and clear communication during 5-a-side or 7-a-side drills.
  3. Evaluate their communication skills in practice matches.

Keywords

  • Small-sided games
  • Quick communication
  • Clear instructions
  • Drills
  • Evaluation

Set Induction

The teacher starts by asking pupils to recall their experience playing small-sided games and discuss challenges they faced communicating during these drills.


Entry Behaviour

Pupils are familiar with using communication techniques like vocal cues, hand signals, and body language. This lesson helps them apply these skills in small-sided games.


Learning Resources and Materials

  1. Footballs
  2. Cones to mark the field for small-sided games
  3. Whistle for drills

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned how communication aids teamwork and organization. This lesson focuses on using those skills effectively in smaller, high-paced games.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Team collaboration
  • Active listening
  • Quick decision-making
  • Peer evaluation

Learning Materials

  1. Footballs
  2. Training bibs for team identification
  3. Diagrams illustrating 5-a-side and 7-a-side formations

Reference Book

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

Instructional Materials

  1. A chart displaying common communication phrases for small-sided games.
  2. Videos showing professional players communicating during 5-a-side drills.

Content

  1. Practicing Communication in Small Groups
    • Importance of smaller teams for faster and clearer communication.
    • Techniques for calling out positions, movements, and intentions.
  2. Quick and Clear Communication
    • Using short phrases like “man on,” “switch,” “back pass,” or “time.”
    • Balancing vocal communication with hand signals and eye contact.
  3. Evaluating Communication in Practice Matches
    • Observing team dynamics and identifying areas of improvement.
    • Providing constructive feedback to teammates on communication skills.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  1. Small-sided games include teams of __________ players.
    a) 11
    b) 15
    c) 5 or 7
    d) 20
  2. In small-sided games, communication should be __________.
    a) Loud and rude
    b) Quick and clear
    c) Silent
    d) Slow
  3. A common phrase for alerting a teammate of an opponent nearby is __________.
    a) “Man on”
    b) “Ignore it”
    c) “Stay still”
    d) “Go home”
  4. Hand signals are used to __________ communication.
    a) Confuse
    b) Supplement
    c) Avoid
    d) Discourage
  5. Evaluating communication during games helps __________.
    a) Improve teamwork
    b) Cause arguments
    c) Ignore mistakes
    d) Stop practice

Class Activity Discussion

  1. Q: What are small-sided games?
    A: Games with fewer players, such as 5-a-side or 7-a-side.
  2. Q: Why are small-sided games important?
    A: They help improve teamwork, communication, and decision-making.
  3. Q: What is a common phrase used in small-sided games?
    A: “Man on” to alert a teammate about an opponent nearby.
  4. Q: How does quick communication help in small-sided games?
    A: It allows teammates to react faster to game situations.
  5. Q: Can hand signals be used in small-sided games?
    A: Yes, they help supplement vocal communication.
  6. Q: Why is evaluating communication important?
    A: It helps identify strengths and weaknesses to improve team dynamics.
  7. Q: What is the ideal team size for small-sided games?
    A: 5 or 7 players per team.
  8. Q: Should communication in small-sided games be loud?
    A: It should be clear and audible but not disruptive.
  9. Q: Can body language help during small-sided games?
    A: Yes, it shows intent and direction.
  10. Q: What happens when communication is poor?
    A: It leads to confusion and weak team coordination.
  11. Q: How can players improve communication skills?
    A: By practicing drills and using clear phrases.
  12. Q: What role does the coach play in small-sided games?
    A: Observing and providing feedback to improve communication.
  13. Q: Why is teamwork essential in small-sided games?
    A: Because each player’s role becomes more critical with fewer team members.
  14. Q: Should players evaluate their communication after each game?
    A: Yes, to improve future performance.
  15. Q: Can small-sided games prepare players for full matches?
    A: Yes, they develop skills needed for larger games.

Presentation (Steps 1-3)

Step 1:
The teacher revisits the previous lesson on leadership and command on the field, emphasizing teamwork.

Step 2:
The teacher explains the benefits of small-sided games and demonstrates communication techniques like short phrases and hand signals.

Step 3:
Pupils participate in drills and practice 5-a-side games while focusing on clear communication.


Teacher’s Activities

  • Explain and demonstrate key communication techniques for small-sided games.
  • Organize pupils into 5-a-side teams and oversee their practice matches.
  • Provide feedback on their communication and teamwork.

Learners’ Activities

  • Practice short phrases like “man on” and “switch” during drills.
  • Use hand signals and body language in practice games.
  • Evaluate their team’s communication skills and suggest improvements.

Assessment

  1. What are small-sided games, and why are they useful?
  2. List two phrases commonly used in small-sided games.
  3. How can players improve their communication skills?
  4. What role does hand signaling play during matches?
  5. Why is teamwork essential in small-sided games?

Evaluation Questions

  1. What is the team size for small-sided games?
  2. How does communication improve teamwork?
  3. Name two communication techniques used during small-sided drills.
  4. What phrase is used to alert teammates about an opponent?
  5. Why should communication be quick in small-sided games?
  6. What happens when communication is unclear?
  7. How can players evaluate their communication skills?
  8. Why is body language important in small-sided games?
  9. Should communication be loud or clear? Why?
  10. How do small-sided games help players prepare for larger matches?

Conclusion

The teacher reviews key points about communication in small-sided games, focusing on quick and clear interaction. Pupils reflect on their performance and discuss areas of improvement.


Captivating Title:

Mastering Communication in Small-Sided Football Games

Focus Keyphrase:
Small-Sided Football Communication for Primary 5

SEO Title:
Learn Effective Communication Skills for Small-Sided Football Games

Slug:
communication-small-sided-football-games

Meta Description:
Discover how to enhance communication in 5-a-side and 7-a-side football games. Learn quick phrases, hand signals, and evaluation techniques for better teamwork.