Getting open: games that teach spatial awareness

When we think about children playing games, too often our recollection involves children in a mob-like formation around a soccer ball or basketball while the rest of the court or field is empty. Coaches and teachers primarily focus instruction around on-the-ball skills and tend to overlook the importance of how to engage players in fun game-like practices, which emphasize the tactics of supporting the ball carrier or creating space. In this paper, we offer three modified games that provide students' opportunities to explore methods for creating space, moving to open space, and advancing towards the goal. Each game includes a diagram, and a brief description of goals, conditions, and factors for modifying game complexity.