Lesson 2 - Passing and Creating Space
Tactical Passing & Shooting
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can we work as a team to outwit defenders and keep possession of the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop chest passing technique with accuracy and control
- To understand how to create and move into space to receive passes
- To apply passing and movement skills in small-sided game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform accurate chest passes to moving teammates
- Students will demonstrate understanding of space creation and movement off the ball
- Students will work effectively as a team to maintain possession against defenders
Equipment & Resources Required
Place around perimeter of playing area for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, basketballs if netballs unavailable
Set up gates throughout playing area, varying distances and heights
Alternative: Bean bags, spot markers, plastic bottles
Distinguish attackers and defenders in games
Alternative: Bands, coloured T-shirts
Key Vocabulary
A two-handed pass where the ball is pushed from the chest using both hands
Moving away from defenders and other players to find an open area to receive the ball
Making your hands ready and visible for a teammate to pass to
When your team has control of the ball
When a defender catches or touches a pass meant for the attacking team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and simple movement
- Experience with simple passing activities
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with step forward
- Moving into space to receive passes
- Working as a team to maintain possession
- Understanding consequences of inaccurate passing
Next Steps
- Introduction of different passing types (bounce pass, shoulder pass)
- More complex movement patterns and tactics
- Full netball game rules and positions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Chest pass technique: ball at chest, step forward, push through with both hands
- Creating space means moving away from defenders and other players
- Target hands must be visible and ready when calling for the ball
- Team possession requires all players to move and support, not just the ball carrier
- Accurate passing under pressure requires calm decision-making and good technique
- Communication between teammates is essential for successful possession play
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they only need to move when they have the ball - correct by emphasising off-ball movement
- Belief that harder passes are better - teach that accuracy is more important than power
- Assumption that standing still makes catching easier - show how movement into space helps
- Thinking individual skill is enough - demonstrate how teamwork outplays individual ability
- Misconception that defending means taking the ball away - teach interception and positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger balls initially, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time for technique
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routines, quiet zones available, predictable structure and timing
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations enhanced, hand signals for game stops, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated passing variations, modified equipment size, adapted distances and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes accurately, measuring distances between players, calculating success rates
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directional movement, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork skills, resilience when making mistakes, communication with others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Technical accuracy of chest pass, spatial awareness, team communication, safety
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, technique corrections, conflict resolution
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and push!' for passing technique
- •'Find the space!' for movement
- •'Target hands!' for receiving
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor court area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip if indoors
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Bibs clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face/body
- •Collisions between students during movement
- •Slips and falls during dynamic activities
- •Overexertion in high-intensity games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing rules established and maintained
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on controlled movement and awareness
- •Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activity areas
- •Active monitoring during game situations
- •Immediate intervention for unsafe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified