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Lesson 5 - Identifying and Exploiting Space

Sending & Receiving Challenges

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Year 1

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Sending and Receiving

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45 min

Big Question

How can we be clever with where we send the ball to make it hard for our opponent?

Learning Objectives

Identify tactics to outwit an opponent by spotting space on the playing area
Identify and exploit the space available on the court
Work as part of a team to score points by sending objects into empty spaces

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to recognise empty spaces during games
Students will demonstrate sending skills aimed at specific spaces
Students will work cooperatively in team activities to score points

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

16 (2 per student)

8 beanbags per team, placed in central collection area

Alternative: Small balls, bean bags made from socks

Hoops

Arranged in grid formation with varying distances

Alternative: Circles drawn with chalk, small mats, buckets

Cones

Placed in hoops to represent 'opponents'

Alternative: Plastic bottles, markers, different coloured objects

Balloons

2-3

Inflated to medium firmness for controlled flight

Alternative: Beach balls, soft volleyballs, large soft balls

Gym Mats

Arranged on either side of dividing line for volleyball game

Alternative: Marked floor spaces, carpet squares, sit-spots

Key Vocabulary

Space

An empty area where no opponent is standing

Tactics

Clever plans to help you win or score points

Opponent

The person or team you are playing against

Baseline

The line at the back of your playing area

Ready position

Standing with knees bent, on your toes, ready to move quickly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns
Recognition of boundaries and rules

Current Skills

Tactical awareness of space
Accurate sending to specific areas
Cooperative team play

Next Steps

More complex tactical decisions
Faster recognition of space
Advanced net/wall game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Student consistently looks before sending

Student can verbalise why they chose a particular space

Student shows anticipation of opponent's movements

Key Teaching Points

Always look before sending - scanning for space is crucial
Space is anywhere the opponent is not standing or cannot reach easily
Tactics in games involve making smart choices about where to send objects
Ready position helps you move quickly to collect and return
Teamwork means helping others spot good opportunities
Gentle throws are often more accurate than powerful ones
Fair play is important even when teams are uneven

Common Misconceptions

Students think throwing harder is always better - emphasise accuracy over power
Students may aim directly at opponents thinking it's more 'sporting' - explain tactical advantage
Some students think they must always throw to the furthest space - explain about choosing the best available space
Students may think tactics are 'cheating' - explain they are smart, fair strategies
Some students focus only on their own performance - encourage team awareness and support

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified instructions, extra demonstration time

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of spaces, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on cards, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Seated versions of all activities, modified throwing distances, larger targets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Key vocabulary development, explaining tactics using precise language

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory and angles, muscle groups used in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of relative positions and directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, accurate sending to space, cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

["If students consistently aim directly at opponents", "If team games become unfair or excluding", "If students show signs of frustration"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show space identification, model positive language about tactics, demonstrate ready position clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Look first, then throw!'
•'Where's the empty space?'
•'Great tactics!'
•'Help your teammate spot the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area, minimum 15m x 10m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for quick movements and sitting activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags for tears or loose filling
•Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Balloons inflated to safe level - not over-inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips during quick movements
•Collisions between pairs during beanbag tennis
•Frustration in uneven team games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between playing pairs
•Regular rotation in uneven team games
•Teacher monitoring of emotional responses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor uneven team games for fairness
•Watch for signs of frustration or exclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, comfort distressed students