Positioning and creating options in attack
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can penetrate the defence and create space through dispersal.
Key learning points
- Move: shooting with the instep (laces) or outside of the foot applies more speed and power.
- Move: leaning slightly back and striking the bottom of the ball creates lift for a lofted pass or shot.
- Think: long distance passes help us to increase attacking options by making full use of pitch width and depth.
- Feel: getting into space and calling/showing for the ball requires confidence.
- Connect: being vocal but not overly dominant or arrogant helps team morale.
Keywords
Penetration - exploiting spaces between and behind the defenders both with and without the ball
Dispersal - the act of spreading something around to create space using both width and depth
Lofted pass - striking underneath the ball whilst leaning back to get it to travel up in the air rather than along the ground
Common misconception
Pupils often find passing over distance much harder and try to kick the ball too hard. Often pupils are too close together so no one is in a wide position to aim for.
Encourage pupils to slowly increase the distance at which they pass so they maintain control and accuracy. Pupils should be encouraged to adopt wide positions when attacking, stretching defenders to create space.
Teacher tip
As the unit progresses, some pupils may struggle with complex skills and you may have some accomplished footballers. Be aware of pupils becoming disengaged either due to boredom (not being challenged) or frustration (being challenged too much). Always have options to address this issue.
Equipment
A size 4 football between 2 or size 3 if more suitable, approx 50 cones of various colours, bibs, items to be used as an obstacle (something tall).
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the best way of creating space when attacking to help your teammates?
Q2.When trying to break down a defence that is well organised, what is our best option to maintain possession?
Q3.What are we demonstrating when showing or calling for the ball in an attacking position?
Q4.What part of the foot should you use to create power and speed when shooting?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What should you do with your kicking leg once you have performed a lofted pass?
Q2.What word do we use to describe exploiting spaces between and behind the defenders both with and without the ball?
Q3.What do long distance passes help us to make use of on the pitch?
Q4.What are we trying to generate if we strike the bottom of the ball when performing a lofted pass?
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Positioning and creating options in attack, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Positioning and creating options in attack, 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 3 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: tactics and strategies to outwit opponents through football unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.