Lesson 4 - Losing a Defender
Introduction to Netball Skills and Team Play
•Year 3
•Netball
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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
Spread evenly around activity area for movement patterns
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles
One ball per group of three for passing activities
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or tennis balls for younger students
Distinguish between attackers and defenders in game situations
Alternative: Coloured bibs or different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
A quick movement to change direction and lose a defender
The player trying to prevent the attacking team from moving forward or receiving the ball
Two cones placed apart to create a target area to move through
In netball, players can only hold the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds
The player with the ball who is ready to pass to teammates
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
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