Lesson 4 - Space Movement & Passing
Ball Skills Foundations
•Year 3
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use space cleverly to help our team score goals and win games?
Learning Objectives
- Recognise where there is space in a game to move the ball into
- Move into space to receive a ball effectively
- Pass the ball accurately and move into new positions
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of space through movement patterns
- Students will show improved positioning when receiving passes
- Students will execute passes followed by immediate repositioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around perimeter of playing area
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft foam balls for beginners
Different colours for Flag Tag activity identification
Alternative: Strips of fabric, bandanas
Mark multiple playing areas and distance markers
Alternative: Flat markers, rope lines
Set at 3m, 6m, 9m, 12m, and 15m intervals
Alternative: Coloured cones, chalk lines
Position at ends of playing areas with clear crease markings
Alternative: Cones 2m apart, wall targets
Key Vocabulary
An empty area on the field where no opponents are positioned
Throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height for distance
Where a player chooses to stand or move to be most effective
Moving to help a teammate by providing a passing option
Talking to teammates to coordinate movements and passes
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm and overarm throwing techniques
- Understanding of passing and catching fundamentals
- Awareness of personal space and boundaries
Current Skills
- Recognising space in competitive situations
- Moving into space to receive passes
- Passing and immediate repositioning
Next Steps
- Advanced space creation through dummy runs
- Complex passing combinations
- Tactical awareness in larger game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Space awareness is the foundation skill - emphasise looking before moving
- Movement after passing is crucial - never pass and stand still
- Communication helps teammates know where you're going
- Distance determines throwing technique - underarm for close, overarm for distance
- The decision sequence is always: Shoot, Pass, or Run
- Team success requires everyone to find space and support each other
- Practice makes progress - celebrate improvement over perfection
Common Misconceptions
- Space is only about running fast - actually about choosing empty areas intelligently
- Good players always keep the ball - actually good players pass to create opportunities
- Shouting louder helps teammates - clear, specific communication is more effective
- Standing near the goal is always best - space anywhere on field can be valuable
- Overarm throws are always better - technique should match the distance needed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear and simple instructions, positive reinforcement for attention and effort
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear visual boundaries for activities, consistent routines and timing, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of space locations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated or stationary passing options, modified throwing distances, larger targets for accuracy
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive vocabulary for space and movement, following sequential instructions, communication during team activities
Maths
Counting passes in sequence, measuring distances for throwing practice, angles and directions for space awareness
Science
Forces and motion in throwing techniques, trajectory and speed of ball flight, body systems during exercise
Geography
Direction and orientation when finding space, mapping movement patterns around playing area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, encouraging others and building confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activities to observe all students, position at corners during games for maximum field visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for space awareness application, passing technique improvement, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with space concepts, when games become too competitive, or when safety rules are forgotten
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, fast-paced examples for space awareness, always involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Move after you pass!'
- •'Look before you throw!'
- •'Help your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for two 5v5 games, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, stones or debris that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check lacrosse balls for cracks or damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Goals securely positioned and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about no stick contact or tackling
- •Adequate spacing between playing areas
- •Progressive skill building before game application
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of both game areas
- •Monitor competitive intensity to prevent overexcitement
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid and seek additional support if required