Lesson 4 - Losing a Defender
Foundations & High 5 Skills
•Year 4
•Netball
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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
Distributed around playing area for various activities
Alternative: Markers, spots, or small objects for marking positions
One ball per group of 3 students
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs, or rubber playground balls
For identifying teams and roles during activities
Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured t-shirts, or fabric bands
Key Vocabulary
Quick movement to change direction and evade a defender
The player trying to prevent the attacker from receiving the ball or moving freely
When a team has control of the ball
In netball, players can only hold the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds
A restart of play awarded when the opposition breaks a rule
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
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