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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create space and use it to build an attack

      Key learning points

      1. Move: drawing the defender outwards or running wide is an effective way of creating space.
      2. Think: understanding the importance of creating space will increase success in invasion games.
      3. Think: being part of a team and participating in physical activity is good for your mental health.
      4. Feel: taking responsibility for ourselves and our team mates develops confidence and leads to success.
      5. Connect: communication skills are developed by calling and signalling for the ball.

      Keywords

      • Draw a defender - causing a defender to move towards you (also a tie or equal score in a game)

      • Dummy - used to deceive the opposition into thinking you will pass, shoot or move in a certain direction

      • Width - the area on the sides of the pitch or court

      Common misconception

      Crowding around the ball

      By taking the ball out into the wide channels on a pitch/court, you draw defenders out of their area and create space elsewhere to pass to your own players and make an attack on goal.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson can be repeated with the same practices but utilising different balls and rules dictated by the class. If using rugby, you will want to overload the attack further and obviously need to run rather than pass forwards into the next zone.

      Equipment

      A variety of footballs, handballs, basketballs, netballs, rugby balls etc as appropriate for playing surface; cones or floor markers; 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.
      Which component of fitness is most important when dribbling the ball?

      Correct answer: coordination
      strength
      endurance

      Q2.
      Where on the court/pitch is it often easiest to invade/attack?

      up the middle
      Correct answer: up the sides
      from the back

      Q3.
      What is a good way to build up your confidence?

      one big game
      in isolation
      Correct answer: small sided games

      Q4.
      Calling and signalling for the ball are examples of what?

      leadership
      Correct answer: communication
      aggression

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is it helpful to draw a defender when attacking?

      to score
      Correct answer: to create space
      to get free

      Q2.
      What does our body release when we participate in team games that is really good for our mental health?

      sweat
      Correct answer: hormones
      cortisol

      Q3.
      Which is the best way to communicate for the ball to avoid detection from the defenders?

      shouting
      calling
      Correct answer: signalling

      Q4.
      With practice, what situation should you try to create to maximise chances of scoring?

      Correct Answer: 2v1, 2 v 1, 2 vs 1, 2vs1, 2 versus 1

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Creating space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...