Lesson 6 - Level 1 Netball Tournament
Tactical Passing & Shooting
•Year 3
•Netball
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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
Have spare balls ready around court perimeter for quick retrieval
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs if netballs unavailable
Position posts at regulation height for Year 3 (2.4m) or adjustable height
Alternative: Basketball hoops, tall cones with hoops, marked wall targets
Organise bibs by team before lesson starts
Alternative: Coloured bands, team badges, different coloured t-shirts
Pre-drawn tournament grid with team names and match slots
Alternative: Whiteboard and marker, clipboards with paper
Mark multiple small courts for simultaneous matches
Alternative: Chalk lines, painted court markings, rope boundaries
Ensure all teams can see timer or have audio signal
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
A competition where teams play multiple matches to determine overall winners
A tournament format where every team plays against every other team
Where players position themselves to create advantages in attack or defence
To use clever tactics and positioning to gain an advantage over opponents
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
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