Lesson 1 - Passing Techniques
Strategic Fundamentals in Play
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can I use different netball passes to outsmart defenders and work effectively with my team?
Learning Objectives
- To send a netball accurately using four different passing techniques
- To pass the ball under pressure within 3 seconds of receiving
- To work collaboratively when attacking and defending in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate chest, bounce, shoulder and overhead passes
- Students will apply appropriate passing techniques based on distance and game situation
- Students will show effective teamwork in attacking and defending scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls if netballs unavailable
Ready for quick distribution during games
Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes
Set up 10m x 10m squares and activity boundaries
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
Placed in centre of activity circles
Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
A pass where the ball is pushed from chest level using both hands
A pass where the ball bounces once before reaching the receiver
A one-handed pass released from shoulder height, similar to a shot
A two-handed pass released from above and behind the head
Rotating on one foot while keeping the other foot planted
In netball, you must pass within three seconds of receiving the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous units
- Understanding of team games and cooperation
- Simple catching and throwing techniques
Current Skills
- Four netball passing techniques: chest, bounce, shoulder, overhead
- Pivoting technique for creating passing opportunities
- Working under pressure with time constraints
- Team attacking and defending strategies
Next Steps
- Advanced netball positions and their roles
- Complex netball tactics and set plays
- Tournament play with modified rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Accuracy is more important than power in all netball passes
- Different passes are appropriate for different distances and game situations
- Pivoting creates passing opportunities and is essential for maintaining possession
- The 3-second rule requires quick decision-making and ball movement
- Communication between teammates is crucial for successful attacking play
- Effective defending requires anticipation and reading the game
- Proper catching technique with 'soft hands' prevents injuries and maintains possession
Common Misconceptions
- That throwing harder always makes passes more accurate - emphasise technique over power
- That the same pass can be used effectively at all distances - teach situational pass selection
- That pivoting is just spinning around - clarify it's controlled rotation on planted foot
- That defending means chasing the ball - teach anticipation and positioning
- That teamwork just means passing to anyone - emphasise communication and creating space
- That dropping the ball means failure - frame as learning opportunity and skill development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, provide frequent movement opportunities, give specific roles and responsibilities, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, focus on one skill element at a time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules for lesson sequence, offer quiet zones for breaks, give advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls for contrast, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for support, use tactile markers for positions
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, employ hand signals for game rules, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing if needed, use larger/lighter balls for easier handling, modify distances and heights, provide wheelchair-accessible playing areas
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, developing sports-specific vocabulary, communicating effectively with teammates, giving and receiving feedback constructively
Science
Understanding forces in passing (push/pull), exploring ball trajectory and gravity effects, studying body systems response to exercise, investigating friction on different surfaces
PSHE
Building teamwork and cooperation skills, developing resilience when facing challenges, learning to win and lose gracefully, building self-confidence through achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activities for optimal visibility, position at corner during games to see all players, stand centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development, safety awareness, positive interaction between students, application of taught skills under pressure
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide technique corrections during practice, offer tactical hints during games, mediate any disputes fairly
Demonstration Notes
Use students as demonstration partners when possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, repeat demonstrations as needed, check understanding with questions
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Choose your pass type!'
- •'Pivot first, then pass!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Three seconds maximum!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m hard court area or sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface with good grip - check for wet patches, debris, or damage before use
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are correctly inflated (firm but not hard)
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and have secure fastenings
- •Confirm spot markers are visible and non-slip
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls on court surface
- •Ankle injuries from pivoting or sudden direction changes
- •Finger injuries from poor catching technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safety zones between activities
- •Teach proper catching technique with two hands and 'give' on impact
- •Ensure adequate spacing between pairs and groups
- •Progress skill difficulty gradually
- •Monitor for fatigue affecting coordination and safety
- •Emphasise controlled contact in defensive activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games closely
- •Watch for students showing signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Intervene quickly if unsafe play develops
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aiders/medical support as needed