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Lesson 1 - Chest Pass for Accurate Passing

Progressive Skills & Tactics

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Year 3

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use chest passes to keep possession and work as a team?

Learning Objectives

Pass and receive the ball using chest pass technique
Work collaboratively to maintain possession through accurate passing
Apply chest pass skills in game situations to attack effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct chest pass technique with consistent accuracy
Students will show improved ball retention through collaborative passing
Students will transfer chest pass skills into competitive game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs

Cones

Different colours for each team's collection area

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops

Bibs

8-10 (2 different colours)

For identifying teams in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Dish Cones

To mark game area boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A netball pass where the ball is thrown from chest level to another player's chest

Possession

When a team has control of the ball

Attacking

When a team is trying to score points

Defender

A player trying to stop the attacking team from scoring

Intercept

When a defender catches or touches the ball to stop an attack

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of passing concept
Simple spatial awareness in games

Current Skills

Chest pass technique development
Moving to receive passes
Basic attacking teamwork

Next Steps

Shoulder pass technique
Defensive positioning
Complex passing patterns

Milestone Indicators

Consistent chest pass accuracy over increasing distances

Successful ball retention in pressure situations

Effective communication with teammates during games

Key Teaching Points

Chest pass technique: fingers spread behind ball, elbows close to body, step forward with pass
Accuracy is more important than power - aim for partner's chest for easy catching
Communication and teamwork help maintain possession better than individual skill alone
Moving to receive passes creates better attacking opportunities than standing still
Good sportsmanship and encouragement help everyone improve and enjoy the game
Safety first - no contact during games and awareness of other students around you
Practice makes progress - every attempt helps develop skill and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Students think harder passes are better - emphasise accuracy and appropriate power for distance
Belief that individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight how passing creates success
Assumption that defenders should be aggressive - teach fair, non-contact defensive play
Thinking chest pass is only for netball - explain how passing skills transfer to many sports
Misconception that making mistakes is failure - celebrate attempts and learning from errors
Belief that games are only about winning - emphasise skill development and enjoyment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear endings, provide movement breaks between static activities, use clear visual and verbal boundaries, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time for skill development, break skills into smaller components, offer wall-supported passing practice

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish quiet zones for breaks if needed, use consistent routines and language, give advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, implement buddy system for guidance, use tactile cues for ball position

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher's face when speaking, use visual timers for activity changes

physical disability

Adapt passing distances to suit individual needs, provide seated passing options, use larger or softer balls if needed, modify game rules for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes and scores, measuring distances for passing practice, calculating team totals in cone theft game, estimating angles for accurate passing

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, discussing how stepping forward adds power to passes, exploring body mechanics in throwing actions, recognising cardiovascular effects of exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning in game situations, understanding directions and movement patterns, using positional language (forward, backward, left, right)

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, showing respect for opponents and teammates, managing emotions during competitive situations, building confidence through skill development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for optimal view of all students, move between groups during practice phases to provide individual feedback and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct chest pass technique development, appropriate teamwork and communication, students following safety rules and game boundaries

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe or significantly incorrect, if students are not following no-contact rules, if competitive element becomes inappropriate, if any student appears distressed or overwhelmed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use slow, exaggerated movements for technique teaching. Show common mistakes and corrections. Use student volunteers to demonstrate good examples. Break complex skills into simple steps.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingers spread wide behind the ball!'
•'Elbows in close to your body!'
•'Step forward with your pass!'
•'Aim for your partner's chest!'
•'Keep your eyes on your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netballs inflated to appropriate pressure for Year 3 (not overinflated)
•Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges that could cause injury
•Bibs clean and in good condition without torn straps

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
•Collisions between students during games and warm-up activities
•Slips and falls on outdoor surfaces, especially if damp
•Overexertion in competitive game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on ball handling and passing technique to prevent errant throws
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups to prevent interference
•No-contact rules strictly enforced during all game situations
•Regular rotation and rest periods to prevent fatigue
•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Move around groups during practice to observe technique and safety
•Monitor competitive activities closely for appropriate behaviour
•Watch for signs of fatigue or distress in individual students

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal for immediate attention, assess any injuries calmly, appropriate first aid response, contact office if serious injury, alternative activities for students unable to participate