Lesson 6 - Shooting Techniques
Introduction to Netball Skills and Team Play
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can we improve our shooting accuracy to help our team score more goals?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and apply the fundamental shooting technique in netball
- To demonstrate increasing control when moving with the ball towards goal
- To work collaboratively in team situations to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct shooting stance with feet shoulder-width apart
- Students will show improved ball control when moving towards goal
- Students will apply shooting technique under pressure in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around goal posts, ensure proper inflation
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for shooting practice
Check height is appropriate for Year 3 (2.4m), ensure stability
Alternative: Basketball hoops, target circles on wall at appropriate height
Bright colours for clear visibility, various distances from posts
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk marks
Ensure contrasting colours for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, armbands, or t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the goal post for balance and accuracy
Holding the ball with dominant hand underneath, supporting hand on the side
Extending arms and flicking wrists downward after releasing the ball
Collecting the ball after it bounces off the goal post or backboard
The area of the netball court where shooting takes place
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills - catching and throwing
- Understanding of netball court layout and goal areas
- Experience with simple passing and moving activities
Current Skills
- Netball shooting technique - stance, grip, and release
- Moving with the ball while maintaining control
- Playing collaboratively in small-sided attacking scenarios
Next Steps
- Shooting under increased defensive pressure
- Combining shooting with complex passing sequences
- Understanding positional play in full netball games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shooting stance must be stable with feet shoulder-width apart for balance and accuracy
- Ball grip requires dominant hand underneath with supporting hand on side for control
- Complete shooting action involves coordinated knee and elbow bend followed by smooth extension
- Follow-through is essential - fingers should point downward after ball release
- Technique consistency is more important than scoring goals during skill development
- Team cooperation and quick ball collection enhance learning opportunities for all
- Shooting under pressure requires maintaining technique while making quick decisions
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think power comes only from arms - emphasise leg drive and whole-body coordination
- Many believe closer shots are always easier - teach that technique matters more than distance
- Some think speed is more important than accuracy - stress quality over quantity in practice
- Students may believe they can't improve if they miss shots - emphasise learning process over immediate success
- Some think competitive pressure means abandoning technique - teach pressure as opportunity to show skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer movement breaks and fidget tools
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls initially, provide extra practice time, break technique into smaller steps, offer physical guidance
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules and predictable routines, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and signals
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and audible signals, provide tactile guidance for stance, use verbal descriptions of all demonstrations
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, use visual scoring systems
physical disability
- Adapt shooting height or use larger goals, allow seated shooting positions, modify movement requirements to suit individual needs
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting goals scored, measuring distances from goal posts, calculating shooting percentages and team scores
Science
Understanding forces and trajectory in ball flight, body systems during exercise, balance and stability principles
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of court dimensions and areas, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when missing shots, managing competitive emotions and supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups to observe technique, position at goal posts during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stance, safe movement, team cooperation, and technique development progression
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, when students are struggling with coordination, or when team dynamics need support
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes and corrections, involve students in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Feet like a tree trunk - strong and stable!'
- •'Ball like a crown - hold it high!'
- •'Bend and spring like a kangaroo!'
- •'Follow through - fingers point to the ground!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court or equivalent space (30m x 15m minimum) with goal posts
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from debris, appropriate for running and stopping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netball posts are stable and at correct height for age group
- •Ensure all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Cones positioned away from shooting trajectories
- •Team bands in good condition without loose parts
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Finger injuries from catching balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Adequate spacing between shooting groups
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
- •Emphasis on controlled movement and spatial awareness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor shooting areas for safe ball collection
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Ensure proper rotation to prevent overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required