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Lesson 2 - Receiving the Ball and Using Width

Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy

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Year 6

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

How can we use the full width of the playing area to create better attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To adopt sideways-on positions when receiving the ball
To use the full width of the pitch effectively in games
To demonstrate leadership skills during activities

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully receive passes in a sideways-on position
Students will show understanding of creating width in attacking play
Students will display leadership qualities when working in groups

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

1 per 3 students (10-12 balls)

Distributed to groups for passing practice

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls for smaller hands

Coloured Bibs

6 for warm-up, additional for teams

Different colours for different roles and teams

Alternative: Coloured cones or markers

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark boundaries, zones, and target areas

Alternative: Marker spots or chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For setting up 15m distances in practice

Alternative: Marked lines on playground

Key Vocabulary

Sideways-on position

Standing with your side facing the passer, allowing you to see the whole playing area whilst receiving the ball

Using width

Spreading out across the full width of the playing area to create space and passing options

Leadership

Taking responsibility, encouraging others, and helping teammates improve their performance

Peeling off

Moving away from a direct line to the ball carrier to receive a pass in space

Half-turn

Receiving the ball whilst turning your body to face the direction of play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience working in small groups

Current Skills

Receiving the ball in a sideways-on position
Using width effectively in game situations
Demonstrating leadership qualities

Next Steps

Advanced positioning and movement patterns
Creating and exploiting space under pressure
Team tactics and strategic play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent sideways-on receiving under pressure

Strategic use of width in game situations

Clear demonstration of leadership skills

Key Teaching Points

Sideways-on position allows better field vision and quicker decision-making
Using the full width creates space and more attacking opportunities
Leadership in PE includes encouragement, demonstration, and peer coaching
Sometimes going backwards with the ball is the best tactical decision
Effective communication and teamwork are essential in invasion games
Peer assessment develops both technical understanding and leadership skills
Strategic positioning is as important as individual technical skills

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must always face the passer directly when receiving
Belief that moving forward is always better than going backwards tactically
Leadership means being the loudest or most dominant person
Using width means just standing near the sideline without purpose
Good players don't need to help or encourage others
Peer assessment is about finding faults rather than helping improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks, offer specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, offer quiet zone for breaks if needed, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted peer buddies for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for key instructions, written cards with key coaching points

physical disability

Modify to seated or supported versions, use lighter balls, reduce distances, focus on upper body movements where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with technical terms, clear communication during peer assessment

Maths

Measuring 15m distances, calculating scores in Danish Longball, understanding angles of throws and positioning

Science

Forces in throwing techniques, angles of trajectory, reaction time and nervous system responses during catching

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns across playing areas

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, building confidence and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to maintain vision of all students, position yourself where you can intervene quickly if needed

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways-on receiving technique, use of width in positioning, leadership behaviours, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with peer assessment, if safety standards drop, or if competitive games become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for sideways-on position, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Shoulder to the passer!'
•'See the whole pitch!'
•'Use the width!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'
•'Be a leader!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag games and court activities
•Ball strikes from powerful throwing
•Slips and falls on outdoor surfaces
•Overexertion in competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Appropriate spacing between groups and courts
•Demonstrated safe throwing techniques
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Move between activities to monitor closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Be particularly vigilant during competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed