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Lesson 2 - Passing and Defending

Strategic Fundamentals in Play

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Year 3

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use smart passing techniques and positioning to outwit defenders in netball?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing techniques including feinting and 'giving the eyes' to beat defenders
To understand and apply basic defensive positioning and interception skills
To reflect on and recognise success in self and others through assessment

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy under defensive pressure
Students will show understanding of defensive ready position and movement
Students will effectively assess their own and peers' performance using success criteria

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

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

Distributed around activity areas for quick access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls

Cones

20 cones

Mark 10m x 10m squares and player positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Sun Markers

12 spots

Mark specific standing positions for activities

Alternative: Small cones or painted marks

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

To distinguish teams in game situations

Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Feinting

A deceptive movement to mislead the defender about your intended direction

Giving the eyes

Looking in one direction to deceive the defender, then passing in another direction

Interception

Successfully catching or deflecting a pass intended for the opposing team

Ready position

Balanced defensive stance on balls of feet, arms ready, eyes on the ball

Shadow defence

Mirroring an opponent's movements to stay close and limit their options

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 team games and cooperation
Simple catching and throwing skills

Current Skills

Passing under pressure with deception techniques
Individual defensive positioning and interception
Self and peer assessment of performance

Next Steps

Team defensive strategies and communication
Advanced passing combinations in game situations
Positional play in full netball games

Milestone Indicators

Can successfully complete 5 consecutive passes under defensive pressure

Demonstrates correct defensive stance and movement patterns

Provides constructive feedback using technical vocabulary

Key Teaching Points

Defensive ready position - on balls of feet, knees bent, arms ready to react
Passing deception - use eyes and body feints to mislead defenders
Quick passing - release ball promptly to maintain possession under pressure
Spatial awareness - maintain appropriate distances for safety and effectiveness
Communication - encourage teammates and provide constructive feedback
Progressive challenge - start simple and build complexity gradually
Safety first - no physical contact in defending situations

Common Misconceptions

Defence means physical contact or tackling - correct with emphasis on positioning and interception
Loud passes are more effective - correct with focus on accuracy and timing over power
Looking at the target helps accuracy - correct by teaching deception through eye direction
Staying still when defending - correct by emphasising active movement and reaction
Only one type of pass works in games - correct by encouraging variety and adaptability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination skills

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure with visual schedules, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapted distances for throwing, seated passing options, modified defensive positions, larger balls for easier handling

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for court setup, calculating scores and success rates

Science

Understanding forces in passing, trajectory and angles, reaction times in defending

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning and movement patterns, understanding of directions and space

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing defensive pressure, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner of area during explanations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive stance, passing accuracy under pressure, appropriate spacing, and positive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if defending becomes too physical, if students are struggling with concepts, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate techniques clearly with exaggerated movements for visibility, use students as models when appropriate, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - on your toes!'
•'Eyes one way, pass another!'
•'Stay close but no contact!'
•'Quick pass, find space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, suitable for multiple small group activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify spot markers are flat and won't cause trips

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dynamic activities
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during continuous game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between group activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between students and groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular breaks and rotation of roles
•Emphasis on controlled passing rather than power
•No physical contact rule reinforced in defending

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity game areas more closely
•Watch for appropriate defensive distance - no contact
•Ensure equal participation and prevent overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, inform school procedures