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Lesson 1 - Passing & Receiving Skills

Tactical Passing & Shooting

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Year 3

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs, or playground balls

Coloured Cones

20-30

Used to create gates and boundaries - mixed colours for visual appeal

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Bibs

6 (for defenders)

Contrasting colour to identify defenders clearly

Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A two-handed pass thrown from chest level straight to a teammate

Pivoting

Keeping one foot planted while turning the other foot to change direction

Creating space

Moving away from opponents to make room to receive the ball

Target

Using hands to show teammates where to pass the ball

Possession

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

Consistent chest pass technique with step forward

Ability to receive on the move

Understanding of when to pass in game situations

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