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Lesson 1 - Passing Techniques

Strategic Fundamentals in Play

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Year 3

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls if netballs unavailable

Coloured Bibs

8 (different colours for team identification)

Ready for quick distribution during games

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Cones

20 (for marking boundaries and positions)

Set up 10m x 10m squares and activity boundaries

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Sun Markers

8 (for central reference points)

Placed in centre of activity circles

Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A pass where the ball is pushed from chest level using both hands

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces once before reaching the receiver

Shoulder pass

A one-handed pass released from shoulder height, similar to a shot

Overhead pass

A two-handed pass released from above and behind the head

Pivot

Rotating on one foot while keeping the other foot planted

Three-second rule

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

Consistent accuracy in passing over 5 metres

Quick decision-making under pressure

Effective communication during team play

Understanding when to use different passing techniques

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