🏐

Lesson 8 - Positions & Court Areas

Introduction to Netball Skills and Team Play

•

Year 3

•

Netball

•

Big Question

How do different positions work together to help a netball team succeed?

Learning Objectives

To learn the positions of High 5 Netball and understand where each position is allowed to move
To identify and navigate different areas of the netball court confidently
To apply positional rules during game play with increasing accuracy

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to name all High 5 netball positions and their allowed areas
Students will demonstrate understanding of court layout and key lines
Students will show improved tactical awareness when playing in different positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

One ball per game in progress, spare for demonstrations

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls

Posts

Positioned at opposite ends of playing area

Alternative: Basketball hoops or cones with hoops attached

Team bibs

5 different position bibs per set - ensure positions clearly marked

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

High 5 Netball Rules Document

Available for teacher reference and student questions

Alternative: Position chart poster or laminated cards

Cones

To mark court boundaries and third lines if not permanently marked

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

High 5 Netball

A modified version of netball with 5 players per team, designed for primary school students

Centre Pass

The way play starts and restarts in netball, taken from the centre circle

Onside

When players are in their correct starting positions for a centre pass

Goal Third

The area of the court where goals can be scored, marked by the third line

Centre Third

The middle section of the netball court between the two third lines

Shooting Circle

The semi-circular area where goals must be scored from, only certain positions allowed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous netball lessons
Understanding of passing and catching techniques
Basic awareness of team games and cooperation

Current Skills

Knowledge of High 5 netball positions and their roles
Understanding of court areas and boundaries
Application of positional rules in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play and position-specific skills
Transition to full 7-a-side netball rules
Development of specialist position techniques

Milestone Indicators

Students can quickly move to correct starting positions for centre pass

Players stay within their allowed areas during games

Teams show improved coordination and teamwork

Key Teaching Points

If position starts with 'G', player can enter goal circle - this is the key rule for shooting
Onside means being in correct starting position for centre pass - essential for game flow
Each position has specific movement areas - staying within these maintains game structure
Centre position can go everywhere except goal circles - most freedom but important restriction
Looking for space away from defenders is key attacking strategy in all netball formats
Position knowledge must be applied in game situations - not just theoretical understanding
Regular rotation ensures all students experience different roles and responsibilities

Common Misconceptions

All players can shoot goals - correct by emphasising only G positions (Goal Shooter, Goal Keeper) can shoot
Centre can go everywhere including goal circles - clarify centres have most freedom but must stay out of semi-circles
Position areas don't matter in small games - emphasise that learning correct areas now builds proper netball understanding
Onside is just a starting position - explain it's essential for fair play and game flow
High 5 netball is completely different from real netball - show how it's preparation for full 7-a-side game

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use movement as positive outlet for energy

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, provide extra practice time for position learning, simplify movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish quiet zones for breaks if needed, use consistent routines for position changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of court areas, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written position cards, ensure students can see teacher's face during instructions

physical disability

Adapt movement requirements to seated or supported positions, modify game rules for wheelchair access, use lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, learning new vocabulary, communicating with teammates

Science

Forces and motion during ball passing, gravity effects during shooting, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, mapping court areas, understanding boundaries and territories

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, following rules and fair play, managing emotions during competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where both games can be monitored, move between activities to provide equal attention

Observation Focus

Watch for position rule adherence, safe play, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in when students repeatedly break position rules or show unsafe behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing position areas and court boundaries

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your position areas!'
•'Look for space away from defenders!'
•'G positions can shoot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or equivalent 30m x 15m marked area with goal posts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and jumping movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goal posts are stable and secure
•Verify bibs are clean and fastenings work properly
•Check cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during games and movement activities
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes during passing and shooting
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and explained before activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between players during movement
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of both game areas simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas like goal circles for safe play
•Move between games to provide equal supervision

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional medical support