Lesson 1 - Passing & Receiving Skills
Tactical Passing & Shooting
•Year 3
•Netball
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How can we keep possession of the ball and outwit our opponents in netball?
Learning Objectives
- Develop chest pass technique with accuracy and control
- Learn to create space and move to receive the ball effectively
- Understand tactical principles of keeping possession in invasion games
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform accurate chest passes to a moving partner
- Students will demonstrate basic footwork and pivoting to create space
- Students will apply passing and moving principles in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs, or playground balls
Used to create gates and boundaries - mixed colours for visual appeal
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Contrasting colour to identify defenders clearly
Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands
Key Vocabulary
A two-handed pass thrown from chest level straight to a teammate
Keeping one foot planted while turning the other foot to change direction
Moving away from opponents to make room to receive the ball
Using hands to show teammates where to pass the ball
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 ball handling skills from Key Stage 1
- Understanding of simple team games
- Basic spatial awareness and movement
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with stepping action
- Moving to create and find space
- Basic understanding of possession tactics
Next Steps
- Introduction of different passing techniques
- Defending skills and interception
- Positional play and court awareness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Chest pass technique: ball at chest, elbows out, step forward, push through with fingers pointing down
- Creating targets: hands up at chest level, fingers spread, provide clear visual target for teammates
- Movement principles: move to space away from defenders, communicate with teammates, constant movement when attacking
- Possession tactics: accurate passing keeps possession, protect the ball, make decisions before receiving
- Safety awareness: controlled passing force, no contact defending, awareness of space and other students
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Harder passes are better' - Correct: Accuracy and appropriate force are more important than power
- Misconception: 'Stay close to teammates for easier passes' - Correct: Spread out to create space and more passing options
- Misconception: 'Defend by grabbing the ball' - Correct: Defending is about intercepting passes and applying pressure
- Misconception: 'Always pass to the nearest person' - Correct: Pass to the person in the best position, considering defenders
- Misconception: 'Stand still when your team has the ball' - Correct: Keep moving to create space and passing options
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, provide leadership roles, use movement as strength, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Break skills into smaller steps, use larger equipment, allow extra practice time, provide physical guidance for positioning
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent language and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of spatial setup, buddy system for movement, tactile boundaries where possible
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or picture instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated passing variations, use lighter or larger balls, modify distances as needed, focus on accuracy rather than power
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances for gates and spacing, understanding angles of passing trajectory
Science
Forces involved in passing and catching, understanding momentum and direction, body systems response to exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns around court, understanding directions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing challenges, communication and leadership development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activities to maintain clear sightlines of all students, positioning near most challenging group when appropriate
Observation Focus
Watch for correct chest pass technique, appropriate force levels, spatial awareness, and positive communication between students
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe play, provide technique coaching during practice, and support students struggling with concepts or skills
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students as helpers, repeat demonstrations as needed for clarity
Verbal Cues
- •'Chest, step, push!' for passing technique
- •'Show me your target!' for receiving
- •'Find the space!' for movement off the ball
- •'Soft hands, watch the ball!' for catching
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, preferably marked netball court or playground
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from debris, holes or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure cones are stable and visible with no sharp edges
- •Confirm bibs are clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries from poor catching or hard passes
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on unsuitable surface conditions
- •Overexertion during high-intensity game phases
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled passing force throughout
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement areas
- •Teach proper catching technique with hands ready
- •Rotate activity intensity with rest periods
- •No-contact defending rules strictly enforced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during game activities
- •Monitor skill practice areas for correct technique
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting judgement
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe play develops
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required