Lesson 2 - Sideways Positioning
Strategic Individual to Team Play
•Year 5
•Invasion Games
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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
Place balls in central equipment area for easy collection
Alternative: Rugby balls, netballs, or size 3 footballs for easier handling
Have warm-up bibs ready, team bibs organised by colour
Alternative: Different coloured pinnies or bandanas
Use to mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and target areas
Alternative: Markers, flat discs, or chalk lines
For accurate 15m spacing in skill practice
Alternative: Pre-measured rope or counting paces
Key Vocabulary
Standing with your body turned at an angle to receive the ball, allowing you to see the whole pitch
Using the full breadth of the playing area to create space and stretch the opposition
The ability to see and assess what's happening across the entire playing area
Taking responsibility to guide, support, and organise teammates effectively
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
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