Lesson 2 - Passing & Footwork
Introduction to Netball Skills and Team Play
•Year 3
•Netball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed to group leaders at start of skill development
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for grip practice
Set up court boundaries and skill practice areas
Alternative: Flat markers, chalk lines on playground
Keep accessible for quick rule clarifications
Alternative: Laminated rule cards, visual rule posters
For timing activities and held ball rule
Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
The rule that prevents you from lifting your landing foot and placing it back down
The first foot that touches the ground when you catch the ball
Turning on the ball of your landing foot to change direction
A two-handed pass thrown from chest height using fingertips
When a player holds the ball for longer than 4 seconds
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
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