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Lesson 6 - Applying Attack and Defence Skills

Ball Control Foundations

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to keep the ball and score whilst stopping the other team?

Learning Objectives

To apply attacking and defending skills in small-sided games
To compete with spatial awareness in team invasion games
To pass and move decisively under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved decision-making in attack and defence
Students will show better spatial awareness when moving without the ball
Students will apply passing and moving skills in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per group of 4 (8 total)

Pre-inflate to correct pressure, check for damage

Alternative: Footballs, netballs, or playground balls

Cones

22 cones

4 different colours needed for assessment activity

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Bibs

11 in two different colours

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured bands or t-shirts

Certificates

6.5 rewards

Mix of attainment and achievement-based rewards

Alternative: Verbal praise, team points, high-fives

Key Vocabulary

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to teammates, opponents and boundaries

Pass and move

Passing the ball then immediately moving to a new position

Intercept

To catch or take the ball when it's being passed between opponents

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

End zone

The area at each end of the court where teams try to score

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and passing techniques
Understanding of simple game rules
Awareness of teammates and opponents

Current Skills

Applying skills under pressure
Working as part of a team unit
Making quick decisions with the ball

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding
Leadership in team situations
Complex game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Passes are completed successfully under pressure

Students move into space immediately after passing

Defensive positioning shows awareness of opponents

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise no physical contact throughout all activities for safety
Constantly reinforce spatial awareness - 'find the space, use the width'
Encourage immediate movement after passing - 'pass and move'
Develop decision-making: 'think ahead, have a plan when you get the ball'
Build game understanding: 'watch the ball AND watch your player'
Promote teamwork: 'work together, help each other succeed'
Foster resilience: 'mistakes help us learn, keep trying!'

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must always pass immediately - teach when to dribble vs when to pass
Defenders believe they should always follow the ball - teach marking players and space
Attackers bunch together thinking it helps - emphasise spreading out creates space
Students think faster is always better - teach composure and decision-making time
Players believe individual skill is most important - reinforce teamwork over individual play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activities short and varied, provide frequent feedback and encouragement, use clear boundaries and rules

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time, simplify movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet zone for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstrate all instructions, provide written game rules

physical disability

Modify to seated games where possible, use larger/softer balls, reduce court size for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, following complex instructions, vocabulary development

Maths

Counting during 5-second rule, measuring court dimensions, calculating scores and statistics

Science

Forces in passing and movement, reaction times in defending, heart rate changes during activity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when defending, fair play and rule-following

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal viewing of all activities, central position during explanations

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness, decision-making speed, and application of passing/moving principles

Intervention Points

Step in when students show frustration, provide immediate feedback for safety issues, demonstrate when groups struggle

Demonstration Notes

Use students who demonstrate good practice to model for others, show clear contrasts between good and poor positioning

Verbal Cues

•'Find the space!'
•'Pass and move quickly!'
•'Think ahead - what's your plan?'
•'Use your eyes to scan the area!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (25m x 15m) or marked rectangular area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls correctly inflated and checked for damage
•Cones stable and positioned safely away from playing action
•Bibs/pinnards in good condition without sharp edges or fastenings

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag activities and games
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Contact during defending activities
•Ball strikes to head or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear 'no contact' rule emphasised throughout
•Adequate spacing between activity groups
•Boundaries clearly marked and explained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during small-sided activities
•Monitor for signs of frustration or aggressive play
•Watch for fatigue during intense game periods

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students are safe and supervised