KS2 · Physical education · Year 5
Denying space
Invasion games: shooting, scoring and denying space in ball games
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can deny the opposition space by marking their players and by guarding space.
1 of 10
Denying space: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
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.
Words to know
- 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 mistakes
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.
For parents, carers and teachers
- 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.