Lesson 7 - Small-Sided Netball Games
Introduction to Netball Skills and Team Play
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can we use netball rules and tactics to help our team succeed?
Learning Objectives
- To play small-sided games using netball rules effectively
- To demonstrate defensive and attacking skills in game situations
- To apply tactical understanding to support team play
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently apply High 5 Netball rules in game situations
- Students will demonstrate effective movement into space and defensive positioning
- Students will show understanding of simple tactics to help their team
Equipment & Resources Required
One ball per game area, spares ready for quick replacement
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls
Used to mark court boundaries and scoring lines
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops as markers
4 hoops per corner ball game, extras for storage
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cone gates
Different colours for each team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, t-shirts, arm bands
Visible reference for students and teacher
Alternative: Laminated rule cards, poster on wall
Home bases for team organisation
Alternative: Mats, carpet squares, marked areas
Key Vocabulary
Touching or bumping into an opponent - this is against the rules
Blocking an opponent's movement or pass - results in penalty pass
Keeping the ball for more than 3 seconds - results in free pass
Moving both feet after catching the ball - only one foot can move
Given for contact or obstruction - defender must stand beside attacker
Given for held ball or footwork - defender can be 90cm away
Empty area on court where players can move to receive passes
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
- Understanding of simple court positions
- Basic movement skills including running, jumping, and catching
- Introduction to High 5 Netball rules
Current Skills
- Applying rules consistently in game situations
- Using defensive positioning and marking
- Moving into space effectively to support team play
- Understanding penalty passes vs free passes
Next Steps
- More complex tactical formations and strategies
- Advanced defensive techniques including interception
- Leadership roles within team structure
- Full court netball with positional play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- High 5 Netball rules are essential for safe and fair play
- Movement into space is key for successful attacking play
- Defensive positioning requires being close but not making contact
- Self-officiating develops responsibility and understanding
- Tactical awareness comes through varied game experiences
- Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
- Communication and teamwork enhance individual performance
Common Misconceptions
- All rule breaks result in the same consequence - clarify penalty pass vs free pass
- Contact is allowed if it's gentle - emphasise no contact rule
- 3-second rule doesn't apply in games - consistently apply in all situations
- Defending means staying very close to opponent - teach appropriate distance
- Rules don't matter in small games - maintain standards throughout
- Individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear role definitions, frequent positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for better handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for rule understanding
autism spectrum
- Clear visual boundaries, predictable game rotations, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of game areas, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all rules, hand signals for common instructions, written rule cards available
physical disability
- Modified court sizes, seated versions where appropriate, adapted equipment such as larger balls
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, explaining rules to others, descriptive language for tactics
Maths
Counting to three for held ball rule, measuring 90cm defensive distance, calculating team scores and points
Science
Understanding forces in ball movement, body systems during exercise, reaction times in defence
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and court areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, conflict resolution, leadership skills, respect for rules and others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing visual oversight of all three game areas, move between areas to provide specific feedback
Observation Focus
Rule application consistency, tactical development, teamwork and communication, safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in if rules are being ignored, unsafe play occurs, or conflicts arise between students
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating rules, involve students in demonstrations, provide visual references for rule positioning
Verbal Cues
- •'Look for space away from defenders!'
- •'Remember your rules - no contact!'
- •'Great passing and moving!'
- •'Use your three seconds wisely!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court or equivalent large space (30m x 15m minimum), divided into thirds
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
- •Verify hoops are intact with no protruding parts
- •Check team bands are not torn or likely to cause entanglement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Contact rule violations leading to physical contact
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established and maintained
- •Emphasis on High 5 rules particularly contact and obstruction
- •Progressive skill building from basic to game application
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness
- •Adequate recovery time between high-intensity games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all three game areas simultaneously
- •Monitor for rule compliance particularly safety-related rules
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration
- •Intervene quickly if unsafe play develops
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students remain calm and safe