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Lesson 4 - Losing a Defender

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 I use my movement to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to lose a defender through changes of direction and speed
To understand and apply basic netball rules during game situations
To work effectively as part of a team when attacking

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to change direction quickly to escape from defenders
Students will demonstrate understanding of key netball rules including the 4-second possession rule
Students will show improved decision-making when attacking in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Spread evenly around activity area for movement patterns

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles

Netball

One ball per group of three for passing activities

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or tennis balls for younger students

Team bibs

Distinguish between attackers and defenders in game situations

Alternative: Coloured bibs or different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

A quick movement to change direction and lose a defender

Defender

The player trying to prevent the attacking team from moving forward or receiving the ball

Gate

Two cones placed apart to create a target area to move through

Four-second rule

In netball, players can only hold the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds

Feeder

The player with the ball who is ready to pass to teammates

Footwork

In netball, moving incorrectly with your feet while holding the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement patterns including jogging, side steps and jumping
Understanding of personal space and moving in different directions
Introduction to ball handling and passing skills

Current Skills

Changing direction quickly to lose a defender
Understanding netball rules including 4-second possession
Moving into space to receive passes and support teammates

Next Steps

Combining dodging with catching and passing in continuous play
Advanced footwork patterns and pivoting techniques
Understanding positional play and court coverage

Milestone Indicators

Can change direction without breaking stride

Consistently applies 4-second rule in game situations

Anticipates where space will be rather than just moving to current space

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise pushing off with the outside foot when changing direction for maximum effectiveness
Encourage persistence - if the first dodge doesn't work, students should try again immediately
Combine changes of direction with changes of speed for most effective defender evasion
Reinforce the 4-second rule consistently to build understanding of netball regulations
Promote teamwork by encouraging movement into space away from teammates
Maintain strict no-contact policy throughout all activities for safety and fair play
Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in students attempting new movement skills

Common Misconceptions

Students may think speed alone is enough to lose a defender - emphasise that direction changes are equally important
Some may believe they can hold the ball as long as they want - consistently reinforce the 4-second rule
Students might think contact is acceptable in netball - repeatedly emphasise the no-contact rule
Some may give up after one unsuccessful dodge - teach that persistence and multiple attempts are key
Students may cluster together thinking this helps - teach spacing and moving away from teammates
Some might think any movement counts as dodging - emphasise quality, purposeful direction changes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time, offer additional support

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, create quiet zones if needed, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face

physical disability

Adapt movement patterns to seated or supported positions, use modified equipment, adjust activity distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces and motion in direction changes, effects of exercise on the body, lever systems in jumping

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of area and boundaries, direction and movement concepts

Mathematics

Counting passes in games, measuring 3-metre gates, timing activities in seconds and minutes

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when attempts don't succeed, fair play and rule following

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter of activities to maintain visual contact with all students while being close enough to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of direction changes, understanding of rules, and safe play without contact

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if contact occurs, if students are struggling with basic movements, or if safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show direction changes clearly, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Push off that outside foot!'
•'Change your speed as well as direction!'
•'If it didn't work, try again!'
•'Move into space away from the defender!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area for full class activities, additional smaller courts for 3v3 games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, debris or holes that could cause slips or trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bands should not have broken elastic or sharp fasteners

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes and game play
•Trips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Contact between players during defensive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing between students during individual activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Strict no-contact rule enforced during all activities
•Proper warm-up to prepare muscles for direction changes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all activity areas simultaneously
•Move around to monitor different groups during activities
•Pay particular attention during 3v3 games for contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical support as needed