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Lesson 4 - Positional Play and Space Awareness

Ball Mastery & Tactics

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Year 5

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Football

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Big Question

How can maintaining our positions and communicating effectively help our team create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To play effectively in restricted positions whilst maintaining space on the pitch
To choose appropriate moments to change position in game situations to create space
To move into space deliberately to open up attacking opportunities for the team

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate positional awareness by maintaining effective spacing during gameplay
Students will communicate clearly with teammates when changing positions
Students will show understanding of how movement creates space for team advantage

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around pitch perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 3 balls for better control, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

40-50 assorted colours

Use different colours to mark different zones clearly

Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags, hoops for zone marking

Bibs

15 each of two colours

Clearly distinguish teams during zonal games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts, sashes

Goals

3 goals

Position goals to create clear attacking directions

Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide, wall targets, large cones

Measuring Tapes

For accurate zone measurement and pitch setup

Alternative: Pre-measured rope, metre sticks

Key Vocabulary

Position

A specific area or role on the pitch that a player is responsible for

Space

Empty areas on the pitch where players can move to receive the ball or create opportunities

Zone

A marked area of the pitch with specific boundaries that players must stay within

Communication

Using voice and signals to coordinate movements and share information with teammates

Team Shape

The formation and spacing between players that maintains balance across the pitch

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling and ball control skills
Understanding of simple passing techniques
Awareness of teammates and opponents during play
Basic understanding of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

Positional awareness and maintaining team shape
Tactical movement to create and exploit space
Communication skills for coordinated team movement
Decision-making about when to change position

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and systems
Reading the game and anticipating opportunities
Complex combination play and off-ball movement
Leadership and game management skills

Milestone Indicators

Students maintain their position without constant reminders

Students begin to anticipate where space will appear

Communication becomes automatic during gameplay

Students can explain the tactical benefits of their movements

Key Teaching Points

Positioning in football means having responsibility for an area, not standing still in one spot
Good team shape creates balance and covers all areas of the pitch effectively
Communication before movement prevents confusion and maintains team organisation
Moving into space creates opportunities for teammates and disrupts opposition organisation
Coordinated movement means one player leaving a space while another fills it
Understanding when to hold position vs when to move is a key tactical skill
Team success depends on individual players fulfilling their positional responsibilities

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Position means never moving from one spot. Correction: Position is about area responsibility and knowing when to move
Misconception: Best players should always chase the ball. Correction: Best players understand team shape and positioning discipline
Misconception: Communication is only needed when problems occur. Correction: Constant communication prevents problems and coordinates team movement
Misconception: Individual skill is more important than team positioning. Correction: Team positioning creates space for individual skills to be effective
Misconception: Zones and restrictions limit creativity. Correction: Understanding structure actually enables more creative and effective play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear objectives, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations throughout lesson

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time with positioning concepts, visual aids for understanding team shape

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available during intense periods, consistent routines and signals throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones for zone boundaries, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness support

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals for activity changes, written instruction cards available, visual demonstrations emphasised over verbal explanations

physical disability

Modified zones with seated options, adapted equipment (larger/softer balls), shorter distances for movement activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through football terminology, communication and listening skills during team coordination

Maths

Spatial reasoning and geometry through understanding zones and pitch areas, counting players per zone, timing coordination

Science

Understanding of forces and motion in ball movement, impact of positioning on energy efficiency during play

Geography

Directional awareness and spatial mapping, understanding of boundaries and territories

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, leadership and responsibility within team roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corners or edges of activity areas for maximum visibility of all students and clear communication

Observation Focus

Watch for communication attempts, positioning discipline, and coordinated movement patterns throughout activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with zone boundaries, communication breaks down, or team shape deteriorates significantly

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing positioning concepts, ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your position!'
•'Communicate before you move!'
•'Look for the space!'
•'Cover for your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All cones checked for damage or sharp edges
•Footballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Goals stable and securely positioned
•Bibs clean and appropriate sizes

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during crossing activities
•Confusion during zone changes leading to player contact
•Overexertion during continuous game play
•Trips or falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear timing signals for starter activity crossings
•Adequate spacing between zones and clear boundaries
•Regular hydration breaks and fatigue monitoring
•Progressive intensity building throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all crossing activities
•Monitor zone games for rule adherence and safety
•Move around during free play to observe all areas
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Clear stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact procedures known