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Lesson 5 - Space Awareness in Movement

Team Challenges & Skills

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we outsmart defenders to help our team score goals?

Learning Objectives

To move into space showing an awareness of defenders
To develop passing and receiving skills in game situations
To understand the roles of attackers and defenders

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate spatial awareness when avoiding defenders
Students will use bounce passes effectively to maintain possession
Students will understand basic invasion game principles

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for boundaries and starting positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Hoops

Scattered around teaching area as goals

Alternative: Targets drawn with chalk, cardboard circles, rope circles

Balls

Size 4 or smaller, properly inflated

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags for passing practice

Team bibs

To identify defenders clearly

Alternative: Different coloured stickers, arm bands, or pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Defender

A player whose job is to stop the other team from scoring

Attacker

A player whose job is to try to score points for their team

Space

An empty area where there are no other players

Bounce pass

Throwing the ball so it bounces once before reaching your teammate

Intercept

When a defender catches or stops the ball meant for an attacker

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements (walking, running, skipping)
Simple ball handling and passing skills
Understanding of personal space
Basic teamwork concepts

Current Skills

Spatial awareness in dynamic situations
Bounce passing under pressure
Moving into space away from defenders
Basic invasion game tactics

Next Steps

More complex passing combinations
Understanding of defensive positioning
Advanced spatial awareness games
Introduction to small-sided games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently finds space when moving

Can bounce pass accurately over 3-metre distance

Shows awareness of defenders when attacking

Demonstrates basic teamwork skills

Key Teaching Points

Spatial awareness is fundamental to all invasion games - emphasise finding and using space throughout
Communication between teammates is crucial for successful attacking play
The bounce pass technique requires consistent practice - focus on the push action and fingertip direction
Understanding defender roles helps students make better tactical decisions
Stopping movement when holding the ball is a key rule that must be consistently enforced
Teamwork qualities should be explicitly taught and celebrated throughout the lesson
Game rules must be clearly established and consistently applied for fair play

Common Misconceptions

Students may think faster movement always equals better play - emphasise control and quality
Some students may not understand why they can't run with the ball - clearly explain invasion game principles
Students might think defenders are 'bad' - explain both roles are important and valuable
Some may believe individual skill is more important than teamwork - consistently reinforce team concepts
Students may not understand the purpose of communication - demonstrate how talking helps teams succeed
Some might think winning is most important - emphasise learning and improvement as primary goals

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activity segments short with frequent changes Provide clear, simple instructions one at a time Use movement breaks between static discussions Offer leadership roles to channel energy positively Give regular positive feedback for appropriate behaviour

dyspraxia

Break down complex movements into smaller steps Allow extra practice time for skill development Use larger equipment for easier manipulation Provide verbal cues alongside visual demonstrations Focus on effort and improvement rather than absolute performance

autism spectrum

Establish clear, consistent routines for each activity Provide visual schedule showing lesson structure Offer quiet retreat space if sensory overload occurs Use social stories to explain teamwork concepts Allow processing time before expecting responses

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment for better visibility Provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial setup Use sound cues or bells attached to balls Ensure good lighting and contrast in teaching area Pair with sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations for all instructions Employ simple hand signals for game management Provide written instruction cards with key points Ensure face-to-face communication for important instructions Use visual timers instead of audible signals

physical disability

Adapt throwing technique for seated participants Use larger, softer balls for easier handling Reduce distances between targets and starting positions Allow rolling instead of bouncing for some students Provide alternative scoring methods if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the teaching area to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness development, passing accuracy, communication between teammates, and adherence to game rules

Intervention Points

["Step in if students struggle with spatial concepts", "Provide additional support for bounce passing technique", "Intervene if game situations become too competitive or safety is compromised", "Support students who may be less confident in team situations"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all demonstrations. Include students in demonstrations where appropriate to model good technique and behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Find the spaces!' for spatial awareness
•'Bounce and catch!' for passing technique
•'Talk to your team!' for communication
•'Look for the defenders!' for tactical awareness

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m teaching area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is dry, level, and free from debris or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify cones are stable and visible
•Check team bands/bibs are secure and comfortable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced throughout lesson
•No-contact rule strictly enforced in all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular water breaks and breathing space opportunities
•Appropriate warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure safe equipment handling at all times

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and follow school emergency protocols