Lesson 1 - Chest Pass for Accurate Passing
Progressive Skills & Tactics
•Year 3
•Netball
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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
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs
Different colours for each team's collection area
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops
For identifying teams in games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
To mark game area boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope
Key Vocabulary
A netball pass where the ball is thrown from chest level to another player's chest
When a team has control of the ball
When a team is trying to score points
A player trying to stop the attacking team from scoring
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
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