🏐

Lesson 3 - Passing and Moving Under Pressure

Tactical Passing & Shooting

•

Year 3

•

Netball

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Netball

6-8 balls

Inflated to correct pressure, distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 colours)

Sorted into team sets before lesson starts

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, team bands

Cones

Mark out playing areas and endzones clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape

Stopwatch

For timing activities and rest periods

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A two-handed pass pushed from the chest using fingertips

Space

An empty area on the court away from defenders

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Intercept

When a defender catches or touches the ball to win it back

Endzone

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

Accurate passes completed under pressure

Quick transition between attacking and defending

Effective communication with teammates

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