Lesson 2 - Receiving the Ball and Using Width
Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy
•Year 6
•Invasion Games
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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
Distributed to groups for passing practice
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls for smaller hands
Different colours for different roles and teams
Alternative: Coloured cones or markers
Mark boundaries, zones, and target areas
Alternative: Marker spots or chalk lines
For setting up 15m distances in practice
Alternative: Marked lines on playground
Key Vocabulary
Standing with your side facing the passer, allowing you to see the whole playing area whilst receiving the ball
Spreading out across the full width of the playing area to create space and passing options
Taking responsibility, encouraging others, and helping teammates improve their performance
Moving away from a direct line to the ball carrier to receive a pass in space
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
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