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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to keep possession and create scoring opportunities in netball?

Learning Objectives

  • Use a range of accurate passes to build attacking play and maintain possession
  • Apply tactical awareness and teamwork skills to create scoring opportunities
  • Evaluate and suggest improvements to enhance team performance

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate passing techniques in game situations
  • Students will show tactical understanding through effective positioning and movement
  • Students will communicate effectively with teammates to build attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
1 per 4 students (8 balls for class of 30)

Place balls around perimeter of playing area for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls if netballs unavailable

Coloured Bibs
4 different colours, 8 bibs per colour

Pre-sort into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or team markers

Posts
2 per court (4 total for 2 courts)

Position at each end of playing area at appropriate height

Alternative: Button cones, skittles, or marked wall targets

Markers Cones
12-16 cones

Mark centre circles and shooting areas clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or existing court markings

Competition Planner
1 per teacher

Prepare team names and match schedule in advance

Alternative: Simple paper grid or whiteboard for tracking

Stopwatch
1 per court

Ensure all timing devices are synchronized

Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Goal Shooter

The player designated to score goals for their team

Centre Pass

The pass that starts and restarts play from the centre circle

Creating Space

Moving into areas where you can receive the ball freely

One Metre Rule

Defenders must stay at least one metre away from the player with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic netball passing techniques (chest pass, shoulder pass)
  • Understanding of simple netball rules and positions
  • Experience playing modified netball games

Current Skills

  • Tactical passing to maintain possession
  • Creating and using space effectively
  • Goal shooting accuracy and technique
  • Team communication and cooperation

Next Steps

  • Advanced tactical play with specific positions
  • Defensive strategies and interceptions
  • Tournament play with multiple teams

Milestone Indicators

1
Students can maintain possession for 5+ passes in a row
2
Teams show clear attacking patterns and movement
3
Goal shooters achieve 50%+ accuracy from close range

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise teamwork over individual performance throughout
  • Maintain focus on possession through accurate passing and movement
  • Enforce non-contact rule consistently for safety and fair play
  • Rotate goal shooters to give all students leadership opportunities
  • Use positive reinforcement to build confidence and skills
  • Connect tactical learning to real-game situations
  • Celebrate improvement and effort alongside achievement

Common Misconceptions

  • Students thinking only goal scorers are important - emphasise every position matters
  • Believing contact is allowed like in other sports - consistently reinforce non-contact rule
  • Thinking faster passing is always better - teach accuracy over speed
  • Assuming standing still helps teammates - emphasise constant movement to create options
  • Focusing only on winning - redirect to learning and improvement goals

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Keep game segments short, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and simple rules, offer leadership roles
dyspraxia
  • Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, provide extra demonstration time, simplify movement patterns, allow additional practice
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear game structure and rules, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for game rotations
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure student can see teacher demonstrations clearly, provide written game rules
physical disability
  • Adapt court size, allow wheelchair use with modified rules, provide seated passing options, adjust goal height if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, team discussion, giving and receiving instructions clearly

Maths

Scoring systems, time management, statistical tracking of passes and goals

Science

Understanding of forces in passing, balance and movement, heart rate during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership development, dealing with competition, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand centrally between courts to observe all games, move to provide closer supervision when needed

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical development, teamwork quality, rule adherence, and positive sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in for rule violations, poor sportsmanship, safety concerns, or when teams need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule demonstrations, highlight excellent examples of play as they occur

Verbal Cues
  • 'Keep possession - look for free teammates!'
  • 'Remember the 1-metre rule!'
  • 'Great teamwork - well done!'
  • 'Move into space to help your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m for two courts, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
  • Ensure netball posts are stable and at appropriate height
  • Verify bibs are in good condition with no tears

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between players during game play
  • Slips and falls on playing surface
  • Ball strikes to head or body
  • Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
  • Emphasise non-contact rule consistently
  • Ensure adequate space between courts
  • Teach and enforce 1-metre defending rule
  • Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
  • Provide regular water breaks during intense activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position between courts for maximum visibility of all games
  • Monitor rule adherence particularly around contact
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
  • Ensure positive competitive atmosphere maintained
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and contact emergency services if required