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Lesson 2 - Sideways Positioning

Strategic Individual to Team Play

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Year 5

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

How can positioning sideways and using the full width of the pitch help us maintain possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To adopt sideways-on positions when receiving the ball to improve court vision and passing options
To use the full width of the pitch effectively to create space and maintain possession
To demonstrate leadership skills through communication, encouragement, and tactical decision-making

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently receive the ball in a sideways-on position with improved court vision
Students will demonstrate understanding of when to move backwards or sideways to maintain possession
Students will show leadership qualities through positive communication and supporting teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 3 students (10-12 balls)

Place balls in central equipment area for easy collection

Alternative: Rugby balls, netballs, or size 3 footballs for easier handling

Coloured Bibs

6 for warm-up, then team sets for main game

Have warm-up bibs ready, team bibs organised by colour

Alternative: Different coloured pinnies or bandanas

Cones

40-50 cones

Use to mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, flat discs, or chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For accurate 15m spacing in skill practice

Alternative: Pre-measured rope or counting paces

Key Vocabulary

Sideways-on position

Standing with your body turned at an angle to receive the ball, allowing you to see the whole pitch

Width

Using the full breadth of the playing area to create space and stretch the opposition

Court vision

The ability to see and assess what's happening across the entire playing area

Leadership

Taking responsibility to guide, support, and organise teammates effectively

Half-turn

Receiving the ball whilst turning your body to face a new direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can pass and receive a ball with basic control
Students understand the concept of creating space
Students can work cooperatively in small groups

Current Skills

Adopting sideways-on body position for receiving
Using peripheral vision to assess passing options
Making decisions about when to pass backwards or sideways

Next Steps

Applying sideways positioning in competitive game situations
Advanced decision-making under defensive pressure
Leading team tactics and strategic positioning

Milestone Indicators

Students automatically position sideways when expecting a pass

Students scan the pitch before receiving the ball

Students communicate effectively to organise team shape

Key Teaching Points

Sideways-on positioning opens up vision and passing options in invasion games
Using the full width of the pitch creates space and stretches defensive lines
Sometimes passing backwards or sideways is the smartest tactical choice
Leadership in PE includes encouragement, organisation, and positive communication
Body position when receiving affects the quality of subsequent decisions
Peer assessment develops analytical skills and leadership qualities
Tactical awareness is as important as technical skill in invasion games

Common Misconceptions

Always passing forwards is the best option - teach that possession and good positioning are often more valuable
Leadership only means being loud or bossy - emphasise quiet leadership through example and support
Receiving the ball facing the passer is natural - demonstrate why sideways-on positioning is superior
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - show how cooperation creates better opportunities
Competition means you can't help others improve - model how supporting others benefits everyone

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, regular activity changes, specific focus tasks

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide additional practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide audio cues for positioning, assign sighted partners for activities

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure clear line of sight for lip reading, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances, allow seated participation, modify movement requirements while maintaining tactical learning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving and receiving feedback, descriptive language for movement analysis

Maths

Measuring 15m distances, calculating angles for positioning, counting scores and tracking team statistics

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, body mechanics in movement, physics of ball flight and trajectory

Geography

Spatial awareness, directional language, map reading skills applied to court positioning

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork skills, resilience when facing challenges, emotional regulation in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corners or edges for visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways body positioning, quality of communication, leadership behaviours emerging

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules are broken, technique is unsafe, or negative behaviours develop

Demonstration Notes

Use student models when possible, exaggerate body positions for clarity, make vision benefits obvious through practical examples

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways-on for better vision!'
•'Spread wide and use the space!'
•'Lead by example - encourage your teammates!'
•'Sometimes backwards is the smart choice!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for multiple courts/activities, clear run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and clean
•Ensure bibs are soft and safe for throwing
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag activities
•Being hit by thrown balls above waist level
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Overexertion in competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe zones established
•Enforce below-waist hitting rule strictly
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during tag games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and positive interactions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed