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Lesson 2 - Passing & Footwork

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 smart movement and passing to help our team whilst following netball rules?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing and moving skills in netball
To understand and apply the footwork rule correctly
To demonstrate catching and passing with control

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to explain and demonstrate the footwork rule
Students will pass and catch the ball with improved control
Students will move into space to help their team

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Distributed to group leaders at start of skill development

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for grip practice

Cones

30 (various colours)

Set up court boundaries and skill practice areas

Alternative: Flat markers, chalk lines on playground

High 5 Netball Rules Document

1 for teacher reference

Keep accessible for quick rule clarifications

Alternative: Laminated rule cards, visual rule posters

Stopwatch

For timing activities and held ball rule

Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Footwork

The rule that prevents you from lifting your landing foot and placing it back down

Landing foot

The first foot that touches the ground when you catch the ball

Pivot

Turning on the ball of your landing foot to change direction

Chest pass

A two-handed pass thrown from chest height using fingertips

Held ball

When a player holds the ball for longer than 4 seconds

Space

An empty area on court where you can receive the ball safely

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of personal space
Following simple game rules

Current Skills

Netball footwork rule application
Chest pass technique with accuracy
Moving into space awareness
Pivot technique on landing foot

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (shoulder pass, bounce pass)
Defensive positioning and marking
Game tactics and team strategies

Milestone Indicators

Lands correctly without footwork violations

Passes accurately to moving teammates

Pivots smoothly on landing foot

Self-identifies rule violations

Key Teaching Points

Footwork rule is fundamental - emphasise 'one, two' landing consistently throughout lesson
Chest pass technique: step forward, push from chest height, follow through to target
Spatial awareness crucial - always encourage finding gaps and moving into space
Communication is vital - teach students to call 'HERE' clearly when ready for ball
Honest rule application builds character - praise students who admit their own mistakes
Progressive skill building - master footwork before adding game pressure
Safety through controlled movements - emphasise landing softly and balanced movement

Common Misconceptions

Students often think they can lift and replace landing foot - use 'sticky foot' analogy to correct
Many believe faster passing is better - emphasise accuracy and control over speed
Some think they should stand still when not with ball - teach constant movement into space
Students may think rules don't matter in games - reinforce honest self-officiating throughout
Common belief that louder calling gets ball - teach clear, strategic communication
Some think pivoting means moving both feet - demonstrate fixed landing foot concept clearly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development, step-by-step movement breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine for activities, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and larger cones for boundaries, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, clear hand signals for stopping and starting, written rule cards for reference

physical disability

Seated netball variations, shorter passing distances, modified footwork rules allowing extra steps if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, communication during games, vocabulary development with netball terms, explanation and reasoning skills

Maths

Counting passes and scores, measuring distances for court setup, angles for pivoting movements, time management during activities

Science

Forces in passing (push and pull), balance and gravity during pivoting, reaction times in catching, heart rate changes during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, resilience when making mistakes, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, stand at corner during games for visibility of multiple areas

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork application, passing accuracy, spatial awareness, and rule compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with footwork rule, unsafe play occurs, or group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use students to demonstrate good examples. Exaggerate key points for visibility.

Verbal Cues

•'One, two!' for footwork landing
•'Chest to chest!' for passing height
•'Find the gap!' for spatial awareness
•'Pivot and go!' for direction changes

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor court or large sports hall with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from debris, proper netball court or suitable alternative

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during passing practice
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during pivoting and direction changes
•Overexertion during game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing lanes established during passing practice
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Emphasis on controlled movements and landings

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Watch for fatigue signs during latter part of lesson
•Ensure immediate response to any incidents

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal established for immediate activity cessation, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified