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Lesson 3 - Creating and Using Space in Attack

Skills To Tactics

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Year 5

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Netball

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1h 14min

Big Question

How can we create and use space to become better attacking players?

Learning Objectives

To be able to use the attacking principle of creating and using space
To develop passing and receiving skills under pressure
To understand how movement creates opportunities for teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective space creation techniques
Students will show improved passing accuracy and timing
Students will apply tactical understanding in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

Use bright colours for visibility, ensure stable placement

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines on hard courts

Hoops

Place securely to avoid movement during play

Alternative: Hula hoops, marked circles, small goals

Team bibs

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured cones

Key Vocabulary

Creating space

Moving away from defenders to give yourself or teammates room to receive the ball

Diagonal drive

A quick sprint at an angle to receive a pass, making it harder for defenders to intercept

Clearing

Moving away from an area after passing to create space for other players

Pass and move

The fundamental principle of passing the ball then immediately moving to a new position

Attacking principle

Strategies used by the team with the ball to create scoring opportunities

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching techniques
Understanding of personal space
Simple movement patterns

Current Skills

Creating space through movement
Passing under pressure
Reading game situations

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness
Defending principles
Game management skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent space creation movements

Accurate passing under pressure

Effective communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Movement creates space - even if you don't get the ball, you're helping the team
Always pass ahead of a moving player, not to where they are
Communication is essential - call the passer's name when you want the ball
After passing, immediately move to create space for teammates
Diagonal movements are harder for defenders to track than straight lines
Create space away from crowded areas - be intelligent about positioning
Continuous movement keeps the game flowing and creates opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I should only move when I want the ball' - Correction: Constant movement helps the whole team
Misconception: 'Straight runs are easier so they're better' - Correction: Diagonal runs are more effective tactically
Misconception: 'If I don't get the ball, my movement was wasted' - Correction: Movement creates space for others
Misconception: 'I should pass to where my teammate is standing' - Correction: Pass to where they will be
Misconception: 'Calling for the ball isn't important' - Correction: Communication is essential for timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear and simple instructions, regular movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear structure to activities, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted partners for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapt movements for wheelchair users, modify distances as needed, provide seated passing alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, body systems during exercise, momentum and direction changes

Geography

Directional awareness, spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, building resilience through practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the court perimeter to observe all groups, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for space creation effectiveness, passing accuracy, communication, and safety

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with movement patterns, safety concerns arise, or game becomes too one-sided

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show diagonal angles, emphasise timing of passes, model positive communication

Verbal Cues

•'Find the gaps!'
•'Call their name!'
•'Pass and move!'
•'Create space for your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum half netball court (15m x 8m) per group, clear overhead space

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are stable and won't tip over

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during diagonal runs
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball impacts from poor passes
•Fatigue-related injuries during extended play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups during practice
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular checks on student fatigue levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed