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Lesson 5 - Space Awareness & Movement

Ball Control & Team Tactics

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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50 min

Big Question

How can we outsmart defenders by moving cleverly into empty spaces?

Learning Objectives

To move into space showing an awareness of defenders
To understand the role of defenders in invasion games
To demonstrate effective passing and receiving skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will move intelligently into spaces away from defenders
Students will understand and explain the defender's role
Students will pass accurately to teammates in space

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking boundaries and start positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles

Hoops

Scattered around playing area as goals

Alternative: Chalk circles, flat markers, or small mats

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Size 3 balls suitable for Year 2 hands

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for control practice

Team bibs

To distinguish defenders from attackers

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured balls, or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Space

An empty area on the playing field where no defenders are positioned

Defender

A player who tries to stop the other team from scoring

Attacker

A player who tries to score goals for their team

Interception

When a defender catches or stops a pass meant for the other team

Bounce pass

Passing the ball by bouncing it once on the ground to a teammate

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic sending and receiving skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple team games experience

Current Skills

Moving into space with purpose
Awareness of defenders and opponents
Tactical passing decisions

Next Steps

Creating space for teammates
More complex invasion game tactics
Defending strategies and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent movement away from defenders

Accurate passing under pressure

Clear communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Spatial awareness is key - always look for empty spaces before moving
Communication between teammates makes attack much more effective
Defenders can only succeed by watching the ball and positioning well
Quality passing is more important than rushed attempts
Teamwork means supporting each other even when not touching the ball
Following rules makes games fair and safe for everyone
Practice makes perfect - every attempt helps improve skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can move while holding the ball - emphasise 'planted feet' rule
Believing defenders can chase attackers around - clarify interception-only rule
Assuming louder is better for communication - teach clear, helpful calling
Thinking individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight cooperation
Believing speed is more important than accuracy - emphasise controlled movements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use more equipment to reduce waiting

dyspraxia

Start with larger balls and targets, provide extra practice time, simplify movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet observation time if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layouts, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Modify to seated play where appropriate, use larger/lighter balls, adjust distances and court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring distances for game setup, recognising shapes (hoops, cones)

Science

Understanding forces when bouncing ball, body systems during exercise, gravity and ball movement

Geography

Directional language (towards, away, left, right), spatial concepts and mapping movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position near highest activity areas

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness, passing accuracy, and teamwork behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules broken, if students struggling with concepts, or if behaviour issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate when possible, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, pause action to highlight good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Look for space!'
•'Plant your feet!'
•'Call to your teammate!'
•'Where are the defenders?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, ideally indoor hall or playground

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure hoops are flat and stable when placed down
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Trips over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
•Emphasise controlled movement over speed
•Ensure adequate spacing in all activities
•Reinforce 'planted feet' rule when holding ball

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas around hoops
•Watch for students following safety rules
•Be ready to intervene if play becomes too physical

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support