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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can pass and move the ball accurately, creating space in order to help my team keep possession.

Key learning points

  1. Move: creating space for a pass requires us to move quickly into an open space.
  2. Move: passing accurately by sending the ball to a teammate's targets makes it hard for defenders to intercept the ball.
  3. Think: making effective decisions on where to pass and move to, enables our team to keep possession of the ball.
  4. Feel: applying maximum effort by trying to create space even if we are finding it difficult shows self motivation.
  5. Connect: demonstrating respect to our teammates and encouraging them to keep going helps to keep possession.

Keywords

  • Passing - transferring the ball from one player to another

  • Creating space - making room around you so you or your team can pass and move successfully

  • Possession - the team in control of the ball

Common misconception

Pupils stand still once they are in a space and just wait for the ball to come to them.

Explain that we must keep moving to find spaces to ensure our team always has several passing options. If we stand still, the defenders could intercept the ball.

Teacher tip

Select your preferred focus (hands, feet, sticks). Step back and watch pupils in the activities. Sometimes letting the activity play out for a little longer before stepping in enables pupils to problem solve for themselves.

Equipment

1 ball per group of 6 (ball type depends on the focus), 30+ cones, bibs

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Why do passes have to be accurate?

Correct answer: to keep possession
for fun
they don't

Q2.
What do we mean by possession?

the attackers
dropping the ball
Correct answer: keeping the ball

Q3.
What could we do to help our team pass and move successfully?

shout
Correct answer: encourage them
give up

Q4.
What do we mean by respect?

Correct answer: kindness
anger
rudeness

4 Questions

Q1.
What can we do to ensure we are always in space?

Correct answer: scan for space
look down
follow our teammate

Q2.
What could we do to help us to react quickly and move into space?

jump
stand still
Correct answer: be on our toes

Q3.
What do we mean by self motivation?

Correct answer: maximum effort
giving up
encouraging others

Q4.
What could we lose if we rush our passes and send the ball quickly without thinking?

Correct Answer: possession, the ball

To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Passing and creating space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...