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Lesson 5 - Defending and Winning Possession

Foundations & High 5 Skills

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

How can I use my body position and movement to stop opponents from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective defending techniques by maintaining close contact with attackers
To understand tactical defending principles including positioning and anticipation
To apply defending skills in game situations whilst following netball rules

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved defending positioning and movement
Students will explain key defending principles and tactics
Students will show increased success in intercepting passes and preventing scores

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

10 (1 per 3 students)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 balls, tennis balls for grip practice

Cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope

Team bibs

15 (2 sets of different colours)

Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured pinnies, wristbands

Whistles

Worn around neck for quick access

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Defending

Trying to stop the other team from scoring by staying close to opponents

Interception

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for an opponent

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball

Shadowing

Following an attacker's movements to stay close to them

Side-on position

Standing sideways so you can see both the attacker and the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Knowledge of attacking movement patterns

Current Skills

Shadowing and tracking attacking players
Positioning to intercept passes
Using footwork to maintain defensive position

Next Steps

Team defending strategies and communication
Advanced interception techniques
Transition from defence to attack

Milestone Indicators

Maintains visual contact with both attacker and ball

Demonstrates side-on positioning consistently

Successfully intercepts 3/5 passes in practice

Key Teaching Points

Side-on defensive position allows vision of both attacker and ball simultaneously
Quick shuffle steps without crossing feet maintain balance and readiness
Stay close to attacker (arm's length) but avoid physical contact
Step forward to intercept passes rather than reaching backward
Communication with teammates improves overall team defending
Watch attacker's eyes and body position to anticipate movement
Maintain low, balanced stance with weight on balls of feet

Common Misconceptions

Defenders should face directly toward the attacker (should be side-on)
Further away from attacker is safer (should stay close within rules)
Only tall students can be good defenders (technique matters more than height)
Defending is just about stopping passes (also about positioning and pressure)
You need to move quickly all the time (controlled movement is more effective)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use movement as positive outlet for energy

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, break down defending movements into smaller steps, provide additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure for activities, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet area available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of opponent positions, partner with sighted buddy for guidance during movement

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all techniques clearly, provide written instruction cards for reference

physical disability

Adapt defending to seated position with focus on arm positioning, modify court size for wheelchair access, use softer balls for safety

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 5-metre distances between cones, counting passes and points in games, calculating angles for side-on positioning

Science

Forces and motion in intercepting passes, balance and stability in defending position, reaction times in defensive responses

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning relative to opponents, understanding directions and movements across court space

PSHE

Teamwork and communication in defending, resilience when defending challenges become difficult, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of area for maximum visibility of all practice groups and games

Observation Focus

Watch for side-on defending position, safe movement patterns, and application of skills in games

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play develops, students struggling with technique, or rules not being followed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate side-on position clearly with exaggerated body position, show shuffle steps without crossing feet, demonstrate interception timing with deliberate, slow movements for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on position - one shoulder to attacker, one to ball!'
•'Quick feet, stay close but don't touch!'
•'Watch both the ball and your player!'
•'Step forward to intercept, not backward!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum netball court or 30m x 15m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bands/bibs checked for tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Falls from quick direction changes or interception attempts
•Eye injuries from ball contact during interceptions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing between practice groups
•No-contact rule strictly enforced throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Teacher positioned for maximum supervision of all groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all practice groups simultaneously
•Move between groups during games to monitor safety
•Watch for over-competitive behaviour in games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required