🏐

Lesson 3 - Creating and Using Space in Attack

Skills To Strategy

•

Year 6

•

Netball

•

1h 17min

Big Question

How can we create and use space to become more effective attackers in netball?

Learning Objectives

To use movement skills to lose a defender and create attacking opportunities
To pass and receive the ball with increasing control under pressure
To create and use a variety of tactics to help the team maintain possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by creating space for themselves and teammates
Students will show improved ball handling skills under defensive pressure
Students will apply attacking principles in game situations with growing confidence

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Check balls are properly inflated, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 balls for students with smaller hands, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

Use bright colours for visibility, ensure stable placement on court surface

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Hoops

12 (4 per court area for corner ball)

Place securely in corners, check for safety and stability

Alternative: Buckets, targets, or marked areas

Team bibs

15 (enough for one team)

Ensure contrast between teams, check for damage or loose straps

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured equipment

Key Vocabulary

Diagonal drive

A movement pattern where a player sprints at an angle towards the ball carrier to receive a pass

Straight drive

A direct forward movement towards the ball carrier followed by a clear movement away

Creating space

Moving deliberately to open up areas of the court for yourself or teammates

Clearing

Moving away from the receiving area after passing to create space for the next play

Attacking third

The area of the netball court closest to the goal where attacking plays are developed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Understanding of netball court layout and basic rules
Basic movement patterns (running, jumping, sidestepping)

Current Skills

Creating space through purposeful movement
Diagonal and straight drives to receive passes
Passing under defensive pressure
Tactical awareness in small-sided games

Next Steps

Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
Switching between attack and defence seamlessly
Leadership roles in team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistently creates space before calling for the ball

Demonstrates three different types of drives

Maintains possession under pressure for extended periods

Key Teaching Points

Space creation is about movement with purpose, not random running
Communication (calling names) is essential for successful drives and passes
Movement after passing is just as important as the pass itself
Defensive pressure should challenge without making contact
Fair play and sportsmanship are equally important as technical skills
Off-ball movement helps the team even when you don't receive the pass
Quality of movement is more important than speed

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must receive the ball every time they move - emphasise movement helps team regardless
Belief that faster is always better - stress controlled, purposeful movement over maximum speed
Thinking space creation is only about making space for yourself - highlight creating space for teammates
Assumption that touching the nearest line fulfills the rule - explain strategic line selection
Misconception that defensive pressure means physical contact - emphasise positioning and interception without touching

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide additional practice time, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear activity structure with visual schedules, create quiet zones for breaks, maintain consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, pair with sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Adapt drives to wheelchair movements, use larger lighter balls, modify distances and rules as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for diagonal drives, measuring distances, counting passes and scores, understanding geometric concepts of space

Science

Forces and motion in ball passing, acceleration and deceleration during drives, reaction times in defensive play

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and orientation, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and respect, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups to provide feedback and ensure safety, position at court edge during games for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of space creation movements, communication between students, appropriate defensive pressure levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with drive technique, if defensive pressure becomes inappropriate, or if sportsmanship standards drop

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show space creation principles, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Find the gaps, not the crowds!'
•'Sprint to space, not to players!'
•'Call loudly and move with purpose!'
•'Create space for others by moving away!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum one full netball court third (15m x 10m) per 10-12 students

Surface Check

Dry, even court surface free from water, debris, or damaged areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure hoops are stable and securely positioned
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are not torn or have loose straps

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during diagonal drives
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to face during passes
•Fatigue from repeated high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space between groups
•Progressive skill building from individual to competitive activities
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed
•Regular checks for student fatigue and hydration needs

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during 3v2 and corner ball games
•Watch for appropriate pressure levels in defensive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required