Lesson 6 - Creating Space Techniques
Skills To Strategy
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can changing direction help us create space and receive passes effectively in game situations?
Learning Objectives
- To change direction effectively to get free from a defender and receive a pass
- To create and use space strategically to help the team maintain possession
- To apply movement skills consistently under pressure in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate confident change of direction movements to lose defenders
- Students will create space effectively using dodging and timing skills
- Students will apply netball rules consistently during competitive play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around teaching area for warm-up activities
Alternative: Markers, spots, or tennis balls
Placed in corners for corner ball game
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked targets
One ball per group of three for skill development
Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners
Positioned at opposite ends for High 5 netball court
Alternative: Basketball hoops, wall targets, or PE cones on poles
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
Quickly altering the path of movement to lose a defender or create space
Rotating on one foot (landing foot) while keeping that foot in contact with the ground
One change of direction to avoid a defender
Two changes of direction in quick succession to lose a defender
Moving to an area where you can receive a pass without defensive pressure
The first foot to touch the ground when catching a ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic passing and catching techniques
- Understanding of netball court positions
- Simple dodging movements
- Basic pivoting on landing foot
Current Skills
- Advanced change of direction techniques
- Creating space strategically
- Receiving passes under defensive pressure
- Applying skills in game contexts
Next Steps
- Complex attacking patterns
- Advanced defensive strategies
- Tournament-style gameplay
- Leadership and coaching roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Direction changes must be sharp and decisive - no gradual curves
- Pivot foot must remain planted throughout the pivot movement
- Communication between teammates is essential for effective space creation
- Quality of movement is more important than speed in skill development
- Defensive pressure should challenge but not prevent skill development
- Space creation benefits the whole team, not just the individual
- Ball control under pressure requires practice and confidence building
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that faster movement always means better direction changes - emphasise sharp, controlled changes
- Believing that all direction changes should be sideways - show variety including forward/backward movements
- Assuming bigger movements are always better - sometimes subtle changes are more effective
- Thinking individual skill is more important than team movement - emphasise collective space creation
- Believing defensive pressure should be maximum from the start - build pressure gradually
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Demonstrate movements slowly and repeatedly, use bigger balls for easier catching, allow extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedules for activity sequence, offer quiet zones if overstimulated
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, ensure good eye contact when giving instructions, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt movements for wheelchair users - focus on arm and upper body direction changes, modified games with appropriate rules
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for court setup, understanding angles in direction changes, calculating scores in games
Science
Forces and motion in direction changes, balance and centre of gravity during pivoting, momentum and acceleration in movements
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and compass points, mapping movement patterns on court
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills, communication and respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill practice, position at edge of game areas for full court visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct pivot technique, quality of direction changes, and appropriate defensive pressure
Intervention Points
["Step in if students struggling with pivot technique - provide individual support", "Intervene if defensive play becomes too physical or aggressive", "Support groups where communication is breaking down"]
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with students when possible. Use clear, exaggerated movements for pivot technique. Show both successful and unsuccessful examples of direction changes to highlight key differences.
Verbal Cues
- •'Change direction first, then show for the pass!'
- •'Keep that landing foot planted when you pivot!'
- •'Make your movement big and obvious to fool the defender!'
- •'Spread out - create space for each other!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full class activities, with additional space for multiple game areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards. Check for any wet patches or obstacles before dynamic movement activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp or broken edges
- •Verify netball posts are stable and correctly positioned
- •Check hoops are secure and properly placed
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during dynamic direction changes
- •Falls during pivot or dodge movements
- •Ball impacts during passing activities
- •Overexertion during high-intensity games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups during practices
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movements over maximum speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during practices
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed