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Lesson 6 - Tracking and Tournament Play

Strategic Fundamentals in Play

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Year 3

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we combine tracking skills with leadership roles to become complete netball players?

Learning Objectives

To track an opponent effectively on court using sideways positioning
To demonstrate leadership by officiating games with fairness and confidence
To apply all learned skills in competitive tournament play

Key Outcomes

Students will track opponents using sideways positioning to see both ball and player
Students will officiate games making clear, fair decisions
Students will demonstrate all school games values during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

6-8 balls

One ball per pair for warm-up, multiple balls for games

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls

Posts

2 sets

Standard netball court setup if available

Alternative: Basketball hoops or tall cones

Coloured Cones

16 cones (4 of each colour)

Court boundaries and assessment stations

Alternative: Spots or markers in different colours

Bowling Pins

10 pins

For skittleball alternative activity

Alternative: Large cones or plastic bottles

Gym Mats

1 bench

For benchball alternative activity

Alternative: Line marked on floor

Whistles

2-3 whistles

For student officials

Alternative: Hand signals only

Score Sheets

4-6 sheets

For student scorekeepers

Alternative: Small whiteboards

Key Vocabulary

Tracking

Following an opponent's movement while maintaining position between them and the goal

Officiating

Acting as referee or scorekeeper, making fair decisions during games

Round Robin

Tournament format where every team plays against every other team

Sideways Position

Body positioning that allows you to see both the ball and your opponent

School Games Values

Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching techniques
Understanding of court positions
Experience of simple tracking movements

Current Skills

Advanced tracking with sideways positioning
Officiating and leadership responsibilities
Tournament play with multiple teams

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies
Complex officiating scenarios
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Maintains tracking position throughout dynamic play

Makes clear, confident officiating decisions

Demonstrates consistent school games values under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Sideways positioning allows vision of both ball and opponent simultaneously
Quick, decisive passing prevents opponents from intercepting
Officials must make clear, confident decisions to maintain game flow
School games values are most important during competitive pressure
Tracking requires constant adjustment of position as play develops
Team reflection improves performance more than individual criticism
Leadership through officiating develops confidence and fairness

Common Misconceptions

Students think tracking means just following - correct by teaching sideways positioning for dual vision
Believing officials must always favour friends - teach importance of fairness and integrity
Thinking fast passing means wild passing - emphasise control with speed
Assuming tracking is only when your team has the ball - teach continuous positioning
Believing good sportsmanship means not being competitive - show how to be competitive and fair

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified tracking movements, larger balls, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, quiet zones available, visual schedule of tournament matches

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for officiating, written instructions on boards, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified tracking in seated position, adapted equipment size, adjusted court dimensions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring, calculating wins and losses, understanding round robin format

Science

Forces and movement during tracking, reaction times in passing decisions

Geography

Spatial awareness on court, understanding positioning and movement

PSHE

Leadership skills through officiating, fair play, accepting decisions, teamwork under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to observe tracking technique and officiating quality

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways positioning, quick passing decisions, and positive leadership

Intervention Points

Step in if tracking becomes too physical or officiating decisions cause conflict

Demonstration Notes

Model tracking position clearly, show confident officiating, celebrate good sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways position - see both ball and player!'
•'Quick, decisive passing!'
•'Officials, make your decisions clearly and confidently!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor netball court, minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure netball posts are stable and safe
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic tracking activities
•Falls when moving at speed during games
•Ball strikes during rapid passing sequences

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing between activities
•Emphasise controlled movements and safe play
•Progressive skill building with safety reminders

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all activities
•Monitor officiating for fair and safe decisions
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, call for medical support if needed