Lesson 3 - Creating Space in Attack
Progressive Skills & Tactics
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can we work together as a team to create space and build attacking plays that are hard for defenders to stop?
Learning Objectives
- To play effectively in attacking and defending zones using spatial awareness
- To demonstrate collaborative attacking play through communication and movement
- To maintain possession of the ball through strategic positioning and movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand the difference between attacking and defending play
- Students will work collaboratively to create space and build attacking sequences
- Students will demonstrate improved ball retention through strategic movement
Equipment & Resources Required
Start with balls at court edges, introduce during activities
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, large playground balls
15 cups (upright), 15 saucers (upside down) for warm-up, plus zone markers
Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags, hoops
Placed in triangle formation for 3v2 activity
Alternative: Coloured bibs, spots, or laminated cards
Create attacking and defending zones on court
Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape, rope
Team identification for 4v4 games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands
For timing 4-second possession rule
Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app
Key Vocabulary
When your team has the ball and is trying to keep possession to create scoring opportunities
When the other team has the ball and you're trying to win it back or stop them scoring
Moving to areas where there are no defenders, making it easier to receive the ball
When your team has control of the ball
Marked areas on the court that players can move in and out of strategically
Completing passes one after another without losing the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and passing skills from previous lessons
- Understanding of dodging movements from lesson 2
- Familiarity with basic netball rules and 4-second possession rule
Current Skills
- Creating space through strategic movement
- Collaborative attacking play with teammates
- Using zones effectively to build possession-based attacks
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
- Defensive positioning and pressing strategies
- Full 7v7 netball with position-specific roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Space creation is about moving away from defenders, not just running around randomly
- Communication with teammates is essential for effective attacking play
- Zone movement should be purposeful - enter zones to receive ball or create space for others
- Quick decision-making and movement speed give attackers advantage over defenders
- Possession and teamwork are more important than individual brilliant moves
- 4-second rule encourages quick passing and maintains game flow
- Understanding attacking vs defending helps students make better tactical decisions
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking attacking means running forward aggressively rather than keeping possession collaboratively
- Believing zones are like netball positions where you must stay in one area
- Assuming creating space means running as fast as possible rather than smart movement
- Focusing on individual skill rather than team-based space creation
- Not understanding that defenders can be drawn away to create space for teammates
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular position changes, clear, simple instructions, immediate feedback, regular praise and encouragement, movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, clear visual demonstrations, reduced court size initially
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent routines, visual activity schedule, quiet space available if needed, advance warning of activity changes, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured, larger cones for zone marking, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for activity changes
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for common commands, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated passing versions, modified court sizes, adapted equipment, peer support, individual movement challenges appropriate to ability
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development
Science
Understanding forces and motion during direction changes, body systems response to exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping of court zones, understanding of directions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, communication skills, leadership development, dealing with success and setbacks
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter during activities to observe all students, position centrally during explanations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for students creating space effectively, note communication between teammates, monitor safe movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in if students not using zones strategically, provide encouragement for quiet students, correct unsafe movement patterns immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers for demonstrations whenever possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, model positive communication and teamwork
Verbal Cues
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Talk to your team!'
- •'Move into that zone!'
- •'Quick passes!'
- •'Create space for your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m court area, clearly marked zones, adequate run-off space around court edges
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from trip hazards, check for wet patches or debris before lesson
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure all cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
- •Verify zone markers are securely positioned and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during dynamic movement between zones
- •Ball strikes during passing activities
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Overexertion during continuous 4v4 games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundary markers to prevent students running into obstacles
- •Emphasise controlled movement rather than maximum speed
- •Monitor spacing during activities to prevent overcrowding
- •Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
- •Clear communication signals for stopping activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all zones and playing areas
- •Monitor 4v4 games for safe, controlled contact
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure adequate spacing during 3v2 activities
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal (whistle), assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school procedures for serious injuries