Lesson 2 - Passing and Space Awareness
Team Challenges & Skills
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can we help our team keep the ball and score by making smart passes?
Learning Objectives
- To develop passing to a teammate with your feet using the inside of the foot
- To understand who to pass to and why when playing against a defender
- To demonstrate spatial awareness and movement into space to support teammates
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to pass a ball to a teammate using their feet with increasing accuracy
- Students will identify the best teammate to pass to when under pressure from a defender
- Students will demonstrate understanding of space and positioning in invasion games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter and for gates
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or small objects to mark boundaries
One ball per pair, extras available for replacement
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for students who need easier ball control
Key Vocabulary
To send the ball to a teammate using your feet
An area on the field that is free from other players
A player trying to stop the other team from scoring
A player trying to score for their team
To catch or gain the ball when the other team is passing
To stop and manage the ball when it comes to you
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control with feet from previous lessons
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Simple tagging and chasing games experience
Current Skills
- Accurate passing using inside of foot
- Receiving and controlling a moving ball
- Making decisions about who to pass to
- Understanding role of defenders and attackers
Next Steps
- Passing whilst moving and under pressure
- Creating space through coordinated team movement
- Understanding basic tactics in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use inside of foot for accurate passing, never the toe
- Non-kicking foot placed beside the ball for balance and accuracy
- Look at your target before passing to ensure teammate is ready
- Pass to the teammate furthest away from any defenders
- Communicate with your partner by calling their name or the target you're aiming for
- Receive the ball with a soft first touch using the sole of your foot
- Work as a team and encourage each other throughout all activities
Common Misconceptions
- Students think kicking harder makes passes more accurate - emphasise technique over power
- Students believe they should pass to the nearest teammate - teach tactical awareness of defender positions
- Students assume they can't move when receiving - encourage movement to create space
- Students think defenders are 'bad' - explain defenders have an important role in games
- Students believe they must always pass immediately - teach importance of looking first
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of spatial arrangements, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards with pictures
physical disability
- Seated passing versions available, modified distances and targets, adaptive equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion when kicking balls, understanding heart rate changes during exercise, friction between ball and surface
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and navigation around playing area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when activities become challenging, communication and leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of activity area for maximum visibility, move between groups during practice phases
Observation Focus
Watch for correct passing technique, tactical decision-making, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in to provide additional coaching if technique is unsafe, redirect negative competitive behaviour, support students who are struggling
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers whenever possible to model correct technique, exaggerate key teaching points for visual clarity, always demonstrate both correct and incorrect examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Inside of foot, not your toe!'
- •'Look first, then pass!'
- •'Find the space away from the defender!'
- •'Great teamwork, keep talking to each other!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, preferably larger for multiple group activities
Surface Check
Ensure playing surface is even, dry, and free from stones, holes, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp or broken edges
- •Confirm adequate space between activity areas to prevent collisions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Balls hitting students in face during passing practice
- •Trips or falls when moving backwards to receive passes
- •Overexertion during competitive elements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and explained before activities begin
- •Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities provided
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Move actively between groups during independent practice
- •Monitor students for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure competitive elements remain positive and inclusive
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if medical attention needed