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Lesson 6 - Creating Space Techniques

Skills To Strategy

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Cones

Distributed around teaching area for warm-up activities

Alternative: Markers, spots, or tennis balls

Hoops

Placed in corners for corner ball game

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked targets

Netball

One ball per group of three for skill development

Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners

Posts

Positioned at opposite ends for High 5 netball court

Alternative: Basketball hoops, wall targets, or PE cones on poles

Team bibs

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Change of direction

Quickly altering the path of movement to lose a defender or create space

Pivot

Rotating on one foot (landing foot) while keeping that foot in contact with the ground

Single dodge

One change of direction to avoid a defender

Double dodge

Two changes of direction in quick succession to lose a defender

Creating space

Moving to an area where you can receive a pass without defensive pressure

Landing foot

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

Confident execution of double dodges

Consistent application of pivot technique

Strategic space creation in games

Effective communication during play

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