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Lesson 2 - Dodging and Getting Free

Progressive Skills & Tactics

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Year 3

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can clever dodging help us escape from defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Recognise the need to use dodging to get 'free' from opposition players
Demonstrate dodging techniques to get 'free' from defenders
Discuss and explain why you need to be free from a player when receiving a ball

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate at least two different dodging techniques with control
Students will successfully get free from a defender to receive the ball in game situations
Students will explain how dodging helps create space and scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

11 balls

Balls distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for variety

Cones

8-12 cones

Used for boundaries and scoring targets in 3v3 games

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or spots

Coloured Bean Bags

20-30 items

Different colours for each team in Jail Ball activity

Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls

Hoops

4-6 hoops

Treasure hoops and jail areas for Jail Ball game

Alternative: Marked circles on ground, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid a defender by changing direction or speed

Feinting

Pretending to go one way to trick your opponent before going the other way

Getting Free

Creating space between yourself and a defender to receive the ball safely

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball easily

Weight Transfer

Shifting your body weight from one foot to the other to change direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and passing from Lesson 1
Understanding of personal space and awareness
Basic movement patterns and body control

Current Skills

Dodging techniques using weight transfer and feinting
Quick changes of direction to escape defenders
Calling for the ball when free from marking

Next Steps

Combining dodging with passing under pressure
Advanced footwork patterns for court positioning
Team strategies for creating space

Milestone Indicators

Consistently gets free from defender within 5 seconds

Successfully receives ball after dodging 7 out of 10 times

Demonstrates two different dodging techniques confidently

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise weight transfer as the foundation of effective dodging
Encourage students to 'sell' their feints with whole body movement
Connect dodging skills to game situations through constant reinforcement
Build confidence through progressive difficulty from static to active defence
Promote teamwork by highlighting how dodging helps the whole team
Maintain high expectations for technique while celebrating effort and improvement
Use specific observation criteria to give meaningful feedback

Common Misconceptions

Students think dodging is just running fast - correct by emphasising deception and technique over speed
Belief that bigger steps equal better dodges - teach that quick, sharp movements are more effective
Assumption that dodging only helps the person with the ball - explain how movement off ball creates team opportunities
Thinking defenders should always be beaten easily - help students understand that good defence is part of the game
Misconception that dodging is only about footwork - emphasise whole body coordination and balance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with regular changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer choice of roles in activities

dyspraxia

Break dodging into smaller components, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment and slower pace initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed for regulation

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial setup, assign sighted buddy for navigation support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards for reference

physical disability

Modify dodging to seated or supported versions, use larger targets for easier success, adjust court sizes to individual mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of movement during dodging, counting successful dodges and catches, measuring distances between players

Science

Forces during push-off phases, balance and centre of gravity during direction changes, reaction times in defensive situations

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directional movement and navigation around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions when marked tightly, resilience when techniques don't work initially

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal viewing, position centrally during demonstrations to ensure all students can see and hear

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of dodging technique, application in game situations, safety awareness, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with weight transfer, when games become too physical, or when safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples whenever possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, ensure demonstrations are visible to all students

Verbal Cues

•'Sell the fake!'
•'Quick feet, sharp changes!'
•'Hands ready to receive!'
•'Help your teammates get free!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, suitable for multiple 3v3 games with 5m gaps between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with good grip for quick direction changes, free from obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate number of balls to avoid sharing disputes

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ankle injuries from quick direction changes
•Collisions during enthusiastic game play
•Falls due to poor surface or rushed movements
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive warm-up including dynamic movement preparation
•Clear boundaries established for all game areas
•Adequate spacing between groups during partner work
•Regular hydration breaks if weather is warm
•Proper cool-down to prevent muscle soreness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
•Monitor closely during direction change practice
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique
•Intervene quickly if play becomes too physical

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if medical attention required