Lesson 3 - Team Attacking Skills
Strategic Fundamentals in Play
•Year 3
•Netball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls
Clear boundaries marked with cones if no court available
Alternative: Playground area marked with cones (20m x 15m minimum)
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Sports markers, rope circles
Positioned at each end of playing area
Alternative: Football goals, basketball hoops, tall cones with targets
For team identification during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
Moving smoothly and continuously to create the best attacking opportunities
Using the full width of the court to spread out the defence
Passing the ball ahead of a moving player so they can run onto it
When your team has possession and is trying to score
The player who can move anywhere on court and starts with possession
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
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