🏐

Lesson 3 - Creating Space in Attack

Progressive Skills & Tactics

•

Year 3

•

Netball

•

50 min

Big Question

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

Netball

6-8 balls

Start with balls at court edges, introduce during activities

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, large playground balls

Cones

15 cups (upright), 15 saucers (upside down) for warm-up, plus zone markers

Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags, hoops

Coloured Cones

9 cones (3 blue, 3 red, 3 green)

Placed in triangle formation for 3v2 activity

Alternative: Coloured bibs, spots, or laminated cards

Markers

12 markers

Create attacking and defending zones on court

Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape, rope

Bibs

16 bibs (2 colours)

Team identification for 4v4 games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands

Stopwatch

For timing 4-second possession rule

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app

Key Vocabulary

Attacking play

When your team has the ball and is trying to keep possession to create scoring opportunities

Defending play

When the other team has the ball and you're trying to win it back or stop them scoring

Creating space

Moving to areas where there are no defenders, making it easier to receive the ball

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Zones

Marked areas on the court that players can move in and out of strategically

Consecutive passes

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

Students can consistently find space within 3 seconds of team gaining possession

Teams can complete 5 consecutive passes in at least 60% of attempts

Students demonstrate clear understanding of when to move into and out of zones

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