Denying space
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can deny the opposition space by marking their players and by guarding space.
Key learning points
- Move: denying space by guarding open areas requires us to look for the space and stay on our toes, ready to react.
- Move: moving close to the player we are marking and following their movements will deny the opposing team space to pass.
- Think: deciding if it is better to mark the player or the space requires careful problem solving and tactical thinking.
- Feel: guarding the space and not rushing towards the ball until the time is right requires self discipline.
- Connect: communicating as a team is key to ensuring the correct tactic for denying the opposition space.
Keywords
Deny - not giving the opposition room to move or play
Guarding - protecting your area and watching someone carefully
Tactics - plans you create and use to try to win or succeed
Common misconception
Pupils rush in towards the player with the ball when defending. Often two pupils move towards the same attacker.
Pupils need to stay on their toes ready to react and avoid diving in. Communication will prevent players from marking the same player and risk leaving other players open.
Teacher tip
Give teams a chance to apply both defensive tactics in the game and guide teams as to which one they should use if they are finding this hard. Consider the use of shin pads if you are using a football or hockey context and allowing pupils to tackle each other.
Equipment
5 balls (ball depends on the context), 30+ cones, bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When do we use the skills of dribbling, passing and shooting?
Q2.If we see some space open up in front of us during a game, what should we do?
Q3.What skill helps you to motivate the team and make sure they understand what to do?
Q4.What do we call it when we focus on a target and aim to reach or hit it?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Who and what can you mark in a game?
Q2.What do we mean by plans we create and use to try to win or succeed?
Q3.How do you ensure that the correct tactic for denying the opposition space can be actioned by your team?
Q4.What is a key reason for defending?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Denying space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Denying space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: shooting, scoring and denying space in ball games unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.