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Lesson 6 - Level 1 Netball Tournament

Tactical Passing & Shooting

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Year 3

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we apply all our netball skills in a competitive tournament to outwit opponents and score goals?

Learning Objectives

To apply passing, moving and shooting skills in competitive game situations
To demonstrate understanding of tactical positioning and teamwork
To show respect, collaboration and fair play during tournament matches

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully combine passing and moving to create shooting opportunities
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during matches
Students will apply rules fairly and manage their own games independently

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

6-8 balls

Have spare balls ready around court perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs if netballs unavailable

Posts

2 sets (4 posts total)

Position posts at regulation height for Year 3 (2.4m) or adjustable height

Alternative: Basketball hoops, tall cones with hoops, marked wall targets

Coloured Bibs

18 bibs in 4 different colours

Organise bibs by team before lesson starts

Alternative: Coloured bands, team badges, different coloured t-shirts

Score Sheets

1 per team (8 sheets)

Pre-drawn tournament grid with team names and match slots

Alternative: Whiteboard and marker, clipboards with paper

Sun Markers

8-12 cones

Mark multiple small courts for simultaneous matches

Alternative: Chalk lines, painted court markings, rope boundaries

Stopwatch

1-2 timers

Ensure all teams can see timer or have audio signal

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple matches to determine overall winners

Round Robin

A tournament format where every team plays against every other team

Tactical Positioning

Where players position themselves to create advantages in attack or defence

Outwit

To use clever tactics and positioning to gain an advantage over opponents

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

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 court positions
Experience of small-sided netball games
Knowledge of basic netball rules and shooting technique

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Tournament organisation and management
Advanced tactical awareness and positioning
Leadership and team management skills

Next Steps

Introduction to specific netball positions and their roles
Advanced defensive strategies and interception techniques
More complex attacking patterns and set plays
Officiating and umpiring skills development

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 3+ consecutive passes

Successfully converts shooting opportunities

Demonstrates clear tactical understanding

Manages conflicts and disputes fairly

Key Teaching Points

Tournament format provides authentic assessment of skills learned throughout netball unit
Balance competitive spirit with learning objectives and inclusive participation
Use matches as teaching opportunities rather than just assessment moments
Emphasise effort, improvement and sportsmanship over winning and losing
Ensure all students get equal playing time and meaningful roles
Connect tournament experience to broader life skills of cooperation and resilience
Celebrate diverse achievements - tactical, technical, and social learning

Common Misconceptions

Believing only winning teams have been successful - address by highlighting multiple types of achievement
Thinking individual skill is more important than teamwork - correct through specific tactical discussions
Assuming tournament rules are different from practice rules - reinforce consistency throughout
Focusing only on attacking play and forgetting defensive responsibilities - prompt tactical awareness
Believing some students are 'naturally better' - emphasise effort and improvement over innate ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter matches with more frequent breaks, clear role definitions, additional movement breaks, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical concepts, extra practice time, modified equipment (larger/softer balls), reduced pressure situations

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of tournament matches, designated quiet areas for breaks, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, verbal commentary of game action, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for starts/stops

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game management, clear written instructions, use gestures and demonstrations for communication

physical disability

Adapted rules for wheelchair users, modified court size, seated passing versions, different scoring systems to ensure inclusion

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team discussions, vocabulary development with netball terminology, following and giving instructions

Maths

Tournament scoring calculations, statistics tracking, time management, angles and trajectories in shooting

Science

Forces in ball movement, balance and coordination, body systems during extended physical activity

PSHE

Competition and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, teamwork and leadership, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between courts to observe all teams, position centrally for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application, tactical understanding, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, major rule disputes, emotional support, or when students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use matches as teaching moments - pause briefly to highlight excellent tactics, correct major errors, celebrate good sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Create space!'
•'Great teamwork!'
•'Play fair!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple netball courts or large hall space minimum 40m x 60m for 4 simultaneous courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with good grip, free from obstacles and clearly marked boundaries

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are stable and at appropriate height
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify team bibs are secure and won't tear or cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players in competitive situations
•Ball strikes to face/body during intense play
•Overexertion during extended tournament activity
•Emotional reactions to competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise non-contact rules throughout tournament
•Ensure adequate spacing between courts
•Regular hydration breaks and substitutions
•Monitor emotional wellbeing and provide support as needed
•Clear boundaries and safe equipment storage areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if becoming unsafe
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion in students

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are supervised and safe