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Lesson 3 - Team Attacking Skills

Strategic Fundamentals in Play

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Year 3

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to create space and score goals through quick passing and smart movement?

Learning Objectives

To attack by being fluid in positioning and using width effectively
To pass accurately in front of teammates so they can run onto the ball
To demonstrate understanding of netball rules and accept referee decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will move fluidly into attacking positions and use court width
Students will pass ahead of moving teammates consistently
Students will show good sportsmanship and rule understanding

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 per pair + extras)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Marked Courts

1 full court or equivalent space

Clear boundaries marked with cones if no court available

Alternative: Playground area marked with cones (20m x 15m minimum)

Cones

20-25

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Sports markers, rope circles

Posts

Positioned at each end of playing area

Alternative: Football goals, basketball hoops, tall cones with targets

Bibs

15 (different colours)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Fluid positioning

Moving smoothly and continuously to create the best attacking opportunities

Width

Using the full width of the court to spread out the defence

Lead pass

Passing the ball ahead of a moving player so they can run onto it

Attack

When your team has possession and is trying to score

Centre

The player who can move anywhere on court and starts with possession

Wing Attack

Player who attacks down the sides and cannot enter the goal circle

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 basic netball positions
Ability to catch a ball whilst moving

Current Skills

Fluid attacking movement and positioning
Passing ahead of teammates
Team attacking strategies

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness in attack
Reading and reacting to defensive patterns
Leading team attacking plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing to moving teammates

Natural movement to create space

Understanding of when to pass vs hold possession

Key Teaching Points

Always pass ahead of moving teammates, not where they are now
Use the full width of the court to spread out defenders and create space
Fluid movement means constantly adjusting position to create passing options
Quick passing prevents defenders from intercepting the ball
Communication between teammates is essential for successful attacking
Timing of runs and passes must be coordinated for effective attacks
Good sportsmanship includes accepting referee decisions without argument

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Players should pass to where teammates are standing. Correction: Pass ahead to where they are moving.
Misconception: Centre must stay in the centre circle. Correction: Centre can move anywhere on court.
Misconception: Defenders can use physical contact to stop attackers. Correction: Netball is a non-contact sport.
Misconception: Goal Shooter should stay right next to the post. Correction: GS should move around circle to get free.
Misconception: Fastest player always wins the ball. Correction: Smart positioning and timing beat pure speed.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones available, prepare for transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear visual boundaries and markers

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair netball rules, modify court size, use appropriate equipment, focus on achievable skills

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for passing, measuring court dimensions, timing in seconds, counting successful passes in sequences

Science

Understanding forces in passing, friction and surface effects on ball movement, reaction times in decision making

Geography

Direction and positioning on court, spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, using compass directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions, resilience when facing defensive pressure, leadership in team situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups to observe and coach, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for passing accuracy, timing of movement, rule understanding, and safety during contact

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules, adjust group dynamics, provide individual coaching, or address safety concerns

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show techniques, involve students in demonstrations, ensure all can see from their positions

Verbal Cues

•'Pass ahead of your teammate!'
•'Use the width of the court!'
•'Move to create space!'
•'Look for options before passing!'
•'Be fluid in your movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area or netball court, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify netball posts are stable and appropriately positioned
•Check bibs are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between moving players during attacking practice
•Falls during quick direction changes and fluid movement
•Ball impacts during passing practice
•Contact during defensive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Adequate spacing between groups during skill practice
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on non-contact defending techniques
•Clear rules about gentle tagging only during warm-up

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor defensive contact levels closely
•Watch for fatigue during high-intensity phases
•Ensure safe spacing during zig-zag formations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, involve school first aider if needed