Athletics & Wellness
Grade 4
45 min
Be a Space Explorer: Finding Open Spots
Welcome, Space Explorers! This lesson teaches you how to find open spots in games, which is a super skill for tricking defenders and helping your team score.
Tutorial Preview
1
What & Why
In games like soccer, basketball, or even tag, 'open space' is an area on the field or court where there are no defenders. It’s like a secret pathway!Why is it important? Moving to open space makes it much easier for your teammates to pass to you. It helps your team move forward, keep the ball, and create chances to score. Being a space explorer makes you a fantastic teammate!
2
Example 1 — Soccer Dribble
Imagine you have the soccer ball and a defender is running right at you. What do you do?Look up: Instead of looking at the ball, lift your head and scan the field.Spot the Space: You see an empty patch of grass to your left. That's open space!Move to It: Dribble the ball into that empty space, away from the defender.Success! You've escaped the defender and now have time to look for a pass or take a shot.
3
Example 2 — Tag Team
You're playing a team tag game. Your job is to get across the gym without being tagged. You don't have a ball, but space is still important!See the Action: Your teammate is being chased by a defender (an 'it' player).Find the Opening: You notice a corner of the gym where no 'it' players are standing.Be a Target: Run to that open space. You can even wave your arms to show you're free.Teamwork! Now, the defender has to choose between you and your teammate, creating confusion and helping your team succeed.
2 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Beginner
What is 'open space' in a game?
A.An area with no defenders.
B.The area right next to the ball.
C.The place where the coach is standing.
D.The sideline.
Beginner
You're playing soccer and your teammate is about to pass to you. A defender is standing right in front of you. What is the BEST thing to do?
A.Stand still and hope the pass gets through the defender.
B.Run away from the ball towards your own goal.
C.Quickly move a few steps to the side into an open space.
D.Yell at your teammate that it's a bad time to pass.
Beginner
Why is it important to keep your head up while playing?
A.To see where your shoelaces are.
B.To look at the clouds.
C.To find open spaces and see your teammates.
D.To make sure your hair looks good.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free