Lesson 6 - Tracking and Tournament Play
Strategic Fundamentals in Play
•Year 3
•Netball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
One ball per pair for warm-up, multiple balls for games
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls
Standard netball court setup if available
Alternative: Basketball hoops or tall cones
Court boundaries and assessment stations
Alternative: Spots or markers in different colours
For skittleball alternative activity
Alternative: Large cones or plastic bottles
For benchball alternative activity
Alternative: Line marked on floor
For student officials
Alternative: Hand signals only
For student scorekeepers
Alternative: Small whiteboards
Key Vocabulary
Following an opponent's movement while maintaining position between them and the goal
Acting as referee or scorekeeper, making fair decisions during games
Tournament format where every team plays against every other team
Body positioning that allows you to see both the ball and your opponent
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
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