Fundamental Skills of Sports — Football Class 7 Notes Physical Education Unit 4 Free PDF

Introduction

Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is played between two teams of 11 players each. 

• The objective is to score goals by kicking the ball into the opponent's net. 
• The game involves skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and goalkeeping, with players using their feet, head, and body to control the ball, while only the goalkeeper can use their hands within the penalty area. 
• Football is not only fun but also enhances physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork.

Kicking the Ball with the Inside of the Foot

Kicking with the inside of the foot is a fundamental skill in football that many players use for passing, shooting and controlling the ball.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Align your body towards the ball.

   • Position your non-kicking foot 6 to 8 inches away from the ball and point it towards the target.

2. Execution of the Skill:

   • Take a slightly larger final step and swing the kicking leg to strike the ball using the inside of the foot.

   • Lock the ankle to ensure a solid connection and direct the ball precisely.

3. Follow Through:

   • Ensure the kicking foot follows through in the direction of the target.

Key Points:

• Locking the ankle and using the inside of the foot ensures accuracy and control.
• Consistent practice improves precision and power.

Receiving the Ball by the Inside of the Foot

Receiving the ball using the inside of the foot is a fundamental skill in football that allows players to control and direct the ball effectively.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Face the direction from which the ball is coming and adjust your body position accordingly.

   • Turn your shoulder and hips towards the ball to widen your stance.

2. Execution of the Technique:

   • Place your receiving foot in front of your standing leg. Let the ball touch the inside of the receiving foot, cushioning the impact.

3. Follow Through:

   • After receiving the ball, take a small step back to control it better and prepare for the next move.

Key Points:

• Proper positioning and cushioning the ball with the inside of the foot help maintain control.

• The ability to receive a pass effectively sets up your next action.

Passing the Rolling Ball

Passing a rolling ball in football is a fundamental skill that involves delivering the ball to a teammate with precision and control.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Position your body correctly, with your non-kicking foot next to the ball and toes pointing towards the target.

2. Execution of Technique:

   • Use the inside of your foot to pass the ball. Adjust the angle and timing of your foot to ensure the ball reaches the intended target.

3. Follow Through:

   • Follow through in the direction of the pass and keep your body balanced.

Key Points:

• A well-timed pass requires control of the ball and the ability to adjust your body posture for accuracy.

• Practicing under pressure helps simulate real-game scenarios.

Step Trapping

Step Trapping is a fundamental skill in football that involves controlling and stopping the ball with various parts of the body.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Position yourself behind the line of the incoming ball. Anticipate its direction and bounce.

2. Execution of Technique:

   • If the ball is rolling, place your foot on it to stop it. For a low bounce, extend your receiving foot to cushion and control the ball.

3. Follow Through:

   • After trapping the ball, prepare to either pass or move it to space.

Key Points:

• Anticipating the ball’s movement and positioning your body is key to successfully trapping it.
• Proper footwork helps in maintaining control over the ball after the trap.

Dribbling

Dribbling is one of the fundamental skills in football that involves moving the ball with control while running or walking.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity, and keep the ball close to your body.

2. Execution of Skill:

   • Use both feet to dribble the ball, applying light and controlled touches. Keep your head up to stay aware of your surroundings.

3. Follow Through:

   • Maintain balance and momentum while dribbling. Plan your next move based on the field situation.

Key Points:

• Dribbling is a dynamic skill that requires good footwork and awareness of the opponents and teammates.
• Using both feet allows for more flexibility in movement.

Feinting

A feint usually involves a sudden shift of body weight, a fake dribble, or a head movement that suggests the player is going in one direction while they actually intend to go another way. 

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Get into a low stance and prepare to quickly change direction.

2. Execution of the Skill:

   • Fake a dribble or pass in one direction by exaggerating your movement, and then swiftly change direction when the defender reacts.

3. Follow Through:

   • After performing the feint, accelerate in the opposite direction to break past the defender.

Key Points:

• Feinting requires good body control and timing to trick the defender.
• It’s a useful skill to create space and beat opponents.

Kicking the Ball for Accuracy

To enhance precision in shooting the ball towards a specific target.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Mark a target and position yourself at an appropriate distance from it.

2. Execution of Technique:

   • Use the instep to kick the ball toward the target. Aim for specific points to increase the difficulty.

3. Follow Through:

   • After striking the ball, follow through towards the target to maintain the accuracy of your kick.

Key Points:

• Focus on controlling the ball’s trajectory and aim for precision rather than power.
• The follow-through helps in directing the ball effectively.

Passing the Ball in the Air

To develop the skill of passing the ball accurately in the air.

Steps to Learn:

1. Approach:

   • Position your body correctly to align with the ball’s path and make small adjustments to ensure balance.

2. Execution of Technique:

   • Use your instep to strike the lower half of the ball, making sure the pass is accurate and timed correctly.

3. Follow Through:

   • After making the pass, ensure your body follows through in the direction of the pass.

Key Points:

• Air passes require good timing and use of the correct part of the foot to ensure a smooth flight path.

Interception

Interception is a defensive skill where a player anticipates and takes possession of a pass intended for an opponent. It is an important technique to stop attacks and regain control of the ball.

Steps to Learn the Technique:

1. Approach

• Get ready by positioning yourself to intercept the pass.
• Keep your knees bent and your weight balanced on your feet.

2. Execution

• Judge the ball's movement and anticipate where it will be passed.
• Move quickly into the ball’s path and intercept it with a swift step.

3. Follow-through

• After intercepting the ball, maintain control and quickly switch from defense to attack.

Key Points

• Anticipation and quick reflexes are key to successful interceptions.

• Effective communication with teammates improves defensive strategies.

Front Block Tackling

Front Block Tackling is a defensive skill where a player dispossesses an opponent of the ball without making direct contact or committing a foul.

Steps to Learn the Technique

1. Approach

• Get close to the opponent who is controlling the ball.
• Lean slightly forward, with knees bent to remain agile.

2. Execution

• Use the inside of your foot to block the ball when the opponent is about to lose control.
• Make sure your non-tackling foot is firm on the ground for better balance.

3. Follow-through

• After blocking the ball, return to your position quickly, ready to defend again.

Key Points

• Be cautious not to be too aggressive during the tackle.
• Proper foot placement and balance help in executing an effective tackle.

Goal Keeping

Goalkeeping is a specialized skill in football where the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands and arms within the penalty area to prevent the ball from going into the net.

Steps to Learn the Technique

1. Approach

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.

• Keep your hands in a ‘W’ position with fingers pointing downward.

2. Execution

• Form a basket with your hands and arms, keeping them close together to catch the ball.

• Absorb the impact by bending your elbows as you catch the ball.

3. Follow-through

• After catching the ball, bring it close to your body to secure it and prevent it from being knocked out by an opponent.

Key Points

• Always keep your eyes on the ball.

• Hands and arms must form a safe "basket" to catch the ball effectively.

5-a-side Match

The 5-a-side match is a smaller-scale game where each team consists of five players. It is played on a smaller field and focuses on improving individual skills and teamwork in tight spaces.

Steps to Learn the Game

1. Setup

• Divide the players into teams of five each.

• Mark a small playing area (30x40 yards).

• Set up goals using cones.

2. Gameplay

• A match is played for 5 minutes per round.

• The winning team moves on to play the next round.

Key Points

• Teamwork and communication are vital in this fast-paced game.

• Quick decision-making and maintaining ball control are essential in small-sided games.