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Lesson 1 - Ball Handling and Catching Skills

Introduction to Netball Skills and Team Play

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Year 3

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we use our hands and eyes together to become skilful with a ball?

Learning Objectives

To develop fundamental ball handling skills using hands and fingers
To practise accurate throwing and catching techniques with increasing control
To understand the importance of warming up before physical activity

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control using one and two hands
Students will catch a ball with correct technique in stationary and moving situations
Students will explain why warming up prepares the body for exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around perimeter of teaching area for easy collection

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, large rubber balls for students with coordination difficulties

Dish Cones

30 (various colours)

Used for creating boundaries, positions, and target areas

Alternative: Foam markers, bean bags, poly spots

Coloured Bibs

8-12

For identifying groups and teams in activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, temporary team markers

Key Vocabulary

Ball handling

Using your hands and fingers to control and manipulate a ball

Chest pass

Throwing the ball from chest height with both hands to a partner

Ready position

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready to catch

Bounce pass

Throwing the ball so it bounces once before reaching your partner

Intercept

To catch or stop a pass that was meant for someone else

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of using hands to manipulate objects
Simple coordination skills like clapping and catching large soft balls
Awareness of personal space and following simple instructions

Current Skills

Coordinated ball handling using fingers and palms effectively
Accurate throwing and catching with correct body positioning
Dynamic ball control whilst moving in different directions

Next Steps

Introduction to netball-specific positions and rules
Passing under pressure from defenders
Shooting techniques and game application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed catching without dropping

Ability to bounce ball 10 times consecutively whilst moving

Successful completion of partner passing activities

Key Teaching Points

Always use two hands for catching - security over style in early learning
Ready position is crucial - feet apart, knees bent, hands prepared at chest height
Watch the ball not the person - eye tracking is essential for successful catching
Soft hands with curved fingers - avoid rigid gripping or slapping at the ball
Step forward when throwing - use body momentum to improve accuracy and power
Space awareness prevents collisions - always check around before moving
Encouragement builds confidence - celebrate attempts as well as successes

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I need to catch with one hand to look skilful' - Correction: Two hands provide security and success, building confidence for later one-handed skills
Misconception: 'Throwing harder makes passes more accurate' - Correction: Controlled force with good technique is more effective than power alone
Misconception: 'I should look at my partner when catching' - Correction: Eyes must track the ball throughout its flight path
Misconception: 'Bouncing the ball high is better' - Correction: Waist-height bouncing provides optimal control and reaction time
Misconception: 'Fast movement means better performance' - Correction: Controlled, precise movements lead to greater success and safety

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements, provide additional practice time and support

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines for each activity, provide visual schedule of lesson structure, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of activities, implement buddy system for guidance and safety

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards for reference

physical disability

Provide seated catching options, use larger lighter balls, adapt throwing distances and heights as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful catches and passes, measuring distances between partners, calculating group scores and improvements

Science

Understanding heart rate changes during exercise, exploring forces when bouncing balls, discussing oxygen and blood flow during warm-up

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction (left/right calls), understanding personal space and positioning relative to others

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, building resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' successes and supporting improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner or edge of area for maximum visibility, move between groups during activities to provide guidance

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, safe catching technique, and appropriate use of personal space

Intervention Points

Step in when students show unsafe behaviour, provide additional support for struggling learners, and manage group dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show common mistakes alongside correct technique, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands like holding a bubble!'
•'Watch the ball, not your partner!'
•'Ready position - show me you're prepared!'
•'Step forward when you throw!'
•'Two hands for security!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from debris, balls, or other equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all netballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate number of balls to avoid sharing conflicts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body during catching activities
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls due to poor surface conditions or lost balls
•Overexertion during continuous bouncing or jumping activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones to define safe playing area
•Adequate spacing maintained between students and groups during all activities
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
•Two-handed catching emphasised to reduce ball strike injuries
•Soft ball introduction techniques taught before harder passes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas such as jumping and running games
•Circulate between groups to provide guidance and spot potential hazards
•Maintain clear sight lines to all students throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and follow school incident reporting procedures