Lesson 5 - Attacking Positions & Movement
Individual & Team Skills
•Year 3
•Handball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we work together as a team to create gaps in the defence and score goals?
Learning Objectives
- Use attacking positions to exploit gaps in the defence and attack as a team
- Use effective passing and movement as a team to create chances to score
- Move quickly as a team up the pitch to counterattack opponents
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective positioning to create attacking opportunities
- Students will execute coordinated team movements with purposeful passing
- Students will transition quickly from defence to attack using space effectively
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around playing area perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Foam balls, small footballs for easier catching
Organised by colour for quick team identification
Alternative: Different coloured shirts, bandanas, or team markers
Mark playing areas, goal zones, and no-go areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Position at ends of playing areas with clear no-go zones
Alternative: Cones as goalposts, wall targets, or hoops
Key Vocabulary
Where players position themselves to create scoring opportunities and support teammates
Taking advantage of spaces in the defence where opponents are not positioned
Quickly moving from defence to attack when your team wins the ball
Having more attacking players than defenders in a particular area
The area around the goal where only the goalkeeper is allowed
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing techniques (underarm, overarm, bounce)
- Understanding of the three-step rule
- Basic defensive positioning concepts
Current Skills
- Attacking positioning to exploit defensive gaps
- Coordinated team movement and passing
- Quick transition from defence to attack
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking formations and set plays
- Complex passing combinations under pressure
- Strategic positioning for different game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Spacing creates gaps - emphasise the importance of spreading out rather than clustering around the ball
- Communication is crucial - encourage constant talking between teammates to coordinate movements
- Use numerical advantage wisely - help students understand how to exploit 5v4 situations effectively
- Patient build-up play - discourage rushing and encourage working for good scoring opportunities
- Respect no-go zones - ensure clear understanding and consistent application of goal area rules
- Positive transition between roles - maintain enthusiasm when switching between attacking and defending
- Apply learning progressively - build from simple gap creation to complex attacking patterns
Common Misconceptions
- More players around the ball means better attack - correct by demonstrating how spreading out creates more options
- Fastest route to goal is always best - teach patience and working for better opportunities
- Only the person with ball matters - emphasise importance of off-ball movement and positioning
- Defenders can't be beaten - show how good positioning and passing can create scoring chances
- Louder communication is better - teach clear, specific communication rather than just shouting
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks and positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright contrasting coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial setup, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify rules to allow seated play, use larger lighter balls, adjust throwing distances, provide mobility support as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following and giving instructions, using vocabulary accurately, communicating effectively with teammates
Maths
Counting passes in sequences, measuring distances between players, understanding angles for shooting and passing
Science
Forces in throwing and catching, body systems during exercise, physics of ball flight and trajectory
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping, directions and positions, understanding area and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between playing areas to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for spacing concepts, safe play, effective communication, and skill application
Intervention Points
Step in if students clustering around ball, unsafe play developing, or teams becoming frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show spacing clearly, involve students in demonstrations, point out successful examples during games
Verbal Cues
- •'Spread out like a net!'
- •'Find the gaps!'
- •'Where's your space?'
- •'Talk to your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, with additional space for multiple games
Surface Check
Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles, wet patches, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify goals are stable and securely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during dynamic movement
- •Falls due to rapid direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion during intense game phases
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
- •Adequate spacing between different game areas
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular hydration breaks during longer activities
- •Emphasise controlled movement and safe play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Move around to monitor different groups closely
- •Pay particular attention to goal areas where contact is more likely
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if serious injury