Lesson 3 - Passing and Moving Under Pressure
Tactical Passing & Shooting
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can we keep possession of the ball when defenders try to win it back?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate chest passing while moving
- To understand how to create and use space when attacking
- To apply passing and moving skills in small-sided game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to pass accurately to teammates in space
- Students will demonstrate understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Students will show improved decision-making when under pressure from defenders
Equipment & Resources Required
Inflated to correct pressure, distributed around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls
Sorted into team sets before lesson starts
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, team bands
Mark out playing areas and endzones clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape
For timing activities and rest periods
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock
Key Vocabulary
A two-handed pass pushed from the chest using fingertips
An empty area on the court away from defenders
When your team has control of the ball
When a defender catches or touches the ball to win it back
The scoring area where attackers must pass the ball to score
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic chest pass technique from stationary position
- Understanding of catching with two hands
- Knowledge of basic netball court positions
Current Skills
- Passing while moving and under pressure
- Creating and using space effectively
- Transitioning between attack and defence
Next Steps
- Shooting techniques and accuracy
- Advanced passing techniques (bounce pass, overhead pass)
- Positional play and team tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Chest pass technique: ball from chest, step forward, push with fingertips, follow through pointing down
- Body positioning: use body as shield between ball and defender
- Movement patterns: move immediately after passing to create new passing options
- Communication: call for ball when in space, encourage teammates constantly
- Spatial awareness: spread out to create maximum passing options
- Game understanding: quick transition between attacking and defending roles
- Safety first: no contact rule strictly enforced at all times
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Defenders should try to grab the ball' - Correction: 'Defenders use positioning and anticipation to intercept, never grab'
- Misconception: 'Fast passes are always better' - Correction: 'Accurate passes are more important than speed'
- Misconception: 'Stay in one position when you don't have the ball' - Correction: 'Constant movement creates opportunities for your team'
- Misconception: 'Hold the ball until you find the perfect pass' - Correction: 'Quick passing keeps the defence off balance'
- Misconception: 'Only tall players should go in the endzone' - Correction: 'Any attacker can move into the endzone to score'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer fidget balls during instruction time
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower balls, reduce court size, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent teammate pairings
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure clear line of sight for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing if needed, modify court size, allow rolling or bouncing passes, provide lighter balls
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances between players, angles of passing, calculating team scores
Science
Understanding forces in ball projection, friction between ball and hands, energy transfer in passing movements
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with pressure and disappointment, supporting others, building resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of playing areas with clear view of all students, move between groups during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for accurate passing technique, effective movement patterns, positive team communication, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in if students show frustration, if defending becomes too physical, or if passing technique deteriorates significantly
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, involve students in demonstrations where safe to do so
Verbal Cues
- •'Protect the ball with your body!'
- •'Move as soon as you pass!'
- •'Look for space!'
- •'Great team communication!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for multiple small-sided games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and have no damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Bibs are clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during game play
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Contact between players during defending
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear 'no contact' rule established and enforced
- •Adequate spacing between playing areas (minimum 3m)
- •Progressive skill building before competitive activities
- •Regular breaks to prevent fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all playing areas simultaneously
- •Monitor intensity of defending to ensure no contact
- •Watch for signs of frustration or aggressive play
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if contact occurs, assess students, provide appropriate first aid support, modify activity if needed