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Lesson 7 - Small-Sided Netball Games

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 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

Netball

One ball per game area, spares ready for quick replacement

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Cones

Used to mark court boundaries and scoring lines

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops as markers

Hoops

4 hoops per corner ball game, extras for storage

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cone gates

Team bibs

Different colours for each team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, t-shirts, arm bands

High 5 Netball Rules Document

Visible reference for students and teacher

Alternative: Laminated rule cards, poster on wall

Base Stations

Home bases for team organisation

Alternative: Mats, carpet squares, marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Contact

Touching or bumping into an opponent - this is against the rules

Obstruction

Blocking an opponent's movement or pass - results in penalty pass

Held Ball

Keeping the ball for more than 3 seconds - results in free pass

Footwork

Moving both feet after catching the ball - only one foot can move

Penalty Pass

Given for contact or obstruction - defender must stand beside attacker

Free Pass

Given for held ball or footwork - defender can be 90cm away

Space

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

Consistently applies rules without teacher intervention

Shows clear understanding of when to attack vs defend

Demonstrates effective communication with teammates

Makes good decisions under pressure

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