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Lesson 5 - Defending and Ball Interception

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 become effective defenders who can see everything and stay close to our opponents?

Learning Objectives

To defend an opponent effectively using proper positioning
To understand the role and responsibilities of a defender
To develop interception skills to win possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate close marking techniques
Students will show understanding of defensive positioning
Students will successfully intercept passes in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rubber playground balls

Dish Cones

Used for boundaries, targets, and spatial markers

Alternative: Bean bags, chalk marks, existing court lines

Team bibs

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands, house colours

Whistles

For clear start/stop signals during activities

Alternative: Hand claps, voice commands, drum

Key Vocabulary

Defending

Trying to stop the other team from scoring by staying close to opponents

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to make it difficult for them to receive the ball

Interception

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for an opponent

Side-on position

Standing sideways so you can see both the attacker and the ball

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball catching and throwing
Understanding of team and opponent concepts
Simple movement patterns and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Close marking and shadowing movements
Positioning to see attacker and ball simultaneously
Basic interception techniques

Next Steps

Advanced defensive footwork patterns
Communication between defenders
Team defensive strategies and systems

Milestone Indicators

Stays within arm's length of attacker consistently

Positions body side-on to maintain vision

Successfully intercepts 2-3 passes in practice

Key Teaching Points

Side-on body position enables defenders to see both attacker and ball simultaneously
Stay close enough to touch but don't make contact - arm's reach distance is ideal
Use quick, small steps rather than large movements to maintain balance and control
Anticipate where the ball might go rather than just reacting to movement
Communication between defenders helps the whole team defend more effectively
Drive forward to meet interception opportunities rather than waiting for the ball
Maintain defending principles even when tired or under pressure in games

Common Misconceptions

Defenders think they must face the attacker directly - teach side-on positioning instead
Students believe faster running always beats good defending - emphasise positioning over speed
Some think grabbing or pushing is acceptable defending - reinforce non-contact principles
Players assume they can't defend if they're smaller - highlight that technique beats size
Belief that defending is less important than attacking - stress equal value of both roles

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Start with slower movements, use larger equipment, provide extra practice time for coordination skills

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual timetable, offer quiet observation time, use predictable routines for activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written cards with key teaching points

physical disability

Modify movement to walking pace, use seated defending positions, adapt interception height to wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances with cones, counting successful interceptions, calculating angles for best defensive positions

Science

Forces involved in changing direction quickly, reaction times and nervous system responses, physics of ball flight paths

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, using directional language, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, showing respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at court edge for maximum visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide specific feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct side-on positioning, appropriate distance keeping, safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students becoming too physical, provide additional support for struggling defenders, encourage positive team interactions

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key concepts multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on, see both!'
•'Stay close but don't touch!'
•'Quick feet, keep moving!'
•'Drive to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or equivalent 30m x 15m space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones placed securely and away from movement areas
•Team bands fitting properly without loose ends

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during close marking
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes during interception practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Emphasis on staying close but not touching
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular reminders about safe movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Monitor for overly physical defending
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting movement quality

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school office if needed