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Big Question

How can excellent shooting technique and teamwork help me succeed in netball?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate shooting technique with consistent form
  • To apply passing, footwork and positional skills in game situations
  • To demonstrate effective attacking and defending strategies

Key Outcomes

  • Students will shoot with improved accuracy using correct technique
  • Students will work effectively as part of a team in game situations
  • Students will understand basic netball rules and positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

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

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Posts
3 posts or hoops

Position 5 metres from shooting lines

Alternative: Basketball hoops, large target circles on wall

Coloured Bibs
15 (two different colours)

Sort into team colours before lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Cones
12-15 cones

Mark shooting lines and court boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, painted lines

Sun Markers
7 spots

Place in centre of warm-up circles

Alternative: Small cones, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Shooting stance

The correct body position for shooting - feet shoulder-width apart, facing the goal

Follow through

The wrist flick and arm extension after releasing the ball

Goal circle

The semi-circular area where only certain players can shoot

Defending

Working to prevent the other team from scoring

Attacking

Working to move the ball towards your goal to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and catching skills
  • Understanding of simple passing techniques
  • Knowledge of footwork rules in netball

Current Skills

  • Accurate shooting technique with consistent form
  • Application of skills in competitive game situations
  • Understanding of court positions and movement

Next Steps

  • Advanced shooting under pressure
  • Complex tactical play and strategy
  • Leadership in team situations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent shooting stance and release
2
Effective communication during games
3
Understanding when to attack or defend

Key Teaching Points

  • Shooting technique must be consistent - ball above head, arm close to ear, strong follow through
  • Communication is essential for effective defending and attacking
  • Court awareness and position play are crucial for successful team performance
  • Quality of technique is more important than speed of play
  • Encourage effort and improvement rather than just achievement
  • Safety comes first - emphasise no-contact rules throughout
  • Build confidence through progressive skill development and positive reinforcement

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: 'Shooting harder makes it more accurate' - Correct with emphasis on technique over power
  • Misconception: 'Best players should always have the ball' - Explain importance of team play and sharing opportunities
  • Misconception: 'Defending means grabbing or blocking' - Clarify that defending is about positioning and communication
  • Misconception: 'Games are only about winning' - Emphasise learning, improvement and enjoyment
  • Misconception: 'Only tall students can be good at netball' - Show how different skills suit different people

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique development
autism spectrum
  • Clear, structured routines with visual schedules, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for movement
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instructions on display, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
  • Seated shooting variations, modified equipment for easier handling, adapted court areas for wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems and point values, measuring shooting distances, calculating team totals, understanding fractions in success rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, body mechanics in shooting action, gravity and arc in ball flight

Geography

Court directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding zones and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competition, celebrating others' achievements, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter for optimal view of all activities, position near shooting areas during technique work

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shooting technique, safe play during games, positive communication between students

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if game play becomes too physical, if students show signs of frustration

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate shooting technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples during games. Exaggerate key technique points for visibility.

Verbal Cues
  • 'Ball up high!'
  • 'Bend and straighten!'
  • 'Follow through!'
  • 'Work together!'
  • 'Safe play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or minimum 20m x 30m marked area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure goal posts are stable and securely positioned
  • Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between players during game play
  • Falls when changing direction quickly
  • Ball strikes to face or body
  • Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear court boundaries and safe zones established
  • Emphasis on no-contact rules during games
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
  • Regular hydration breaks during intense activities
  • Proper warm-up to prevent muscle strains

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all court areas
  • Monitor shooting areas for safe ball collection
  • Watch for fatigue signs during game play
  • Ensure safe spacing during group activities
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact office if required