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Lesson 4 - Losing a Defender

Foundations & High 5 Skills

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

How can smart movement and quick decisions help you escape defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To be able to lose a defender using changes of direction and speed
To apply netball rules effectively during gameplay
To help maintain team possession and create scoring opportunities in attack

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques to evade defenders
Students will apply the 4-second possession rule and movement restrictions accurately
Students will show tactical awareness in creating space and supporting teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed around playing area for various activities

Alternative: Markers, spots, or small objects for marking positions

Netball

One ball per group of 3 students

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs, or rubber playground balls

Team bibs

For identifying teams and roles during activities

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured t-shirts, or fabric bands

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Quick movement to change direction and evade a defender

Defender

The player trying to prevent the attacker from receiving the ball or moving freely

Possession

When a team has control of the ball

4-second rule

In netball, players can only hold the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds

Free pass

A restart of play awarded when the opposition breaks a rule

Footwork

The netball rule about how you can move your feet when landing with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and jumping movements
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Simple catching and throwing skills
Basic understanding of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

Dodging techniques using direction and speed changes
Application of 4-second possession rule
Recognition of when defender is beaten
Creating space to receive passes

Next Steps

Advanced attacking movements with ball
Defensive positioning and marking
Team tactical play and positioning
Match play with full netball rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistently beats defender in 1v1 situations

Demonstrates quick decision-making under pressure

Shows understanding of when and where to move

Applies rules accurately without reminders

Key Teaching Points

Bend low and push off explosively for effective direction changes
Use multiple dodging attempts if the first one doesn't work
Apply the 4-second possession rule consistently throughout gameplay
Create space away from teammates to maintain possession
No physical contact allowed - free pass consequence for contact
Read the game to recognise when teammates are free to receive passes
Use speed as well as direction changes to beat defenders

Common Misconceptions

Players thinking one dodge attempt is enough - emphasise multiple movements
Confusion about footwork rule - provide clear demonstrations
Believing physical contact is acceptable - reinforce no-contact policy
Not understanding when defender is beaten - teach recognition cues
Thinking faster is always better - emphasise technique over pure speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, frequent movement changes, clear and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Slower movement demonstrations, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards for activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, clear verbal instructions for all movements, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all techniques, hand signals for game situations, written rule reminders

physical disability

Seated or modified dodging movements, larger gates for easier success, adapted ball sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes and points, measuring distances for gates, timing activities with stopwatch

Science

Forces in direction changes, acceleration and deceleration, reaction times

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directional language (left, right, forwards, backwards)

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and rule following, resilience when activities are challenging

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all activities, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of dodging technique, rule application, and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs correction, or conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples when appropriate, exaggerate movements for clarity, ensure all can see

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp direction change!'
•'Move again if you haven't lost them!'
•'Four seconds counting down!'
•'Find space away from teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, or school hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for surface type

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are stable and not cracked
•Team bands secure and not torn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dodging activities
•Trips from cones or equipment
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities
•Contact during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between students and groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•No-contact rule strictly enforced
•Regular rest periods during intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure equipment is used safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed