🏐

Lesson 8 - Netball Positions & Court

Foundations & High 5 Skills

•

Year 4

•

Netball

•

1h 4min

Big Question

How do different positions work together in High 5 Netball to create a successful team?

Learning Objectives

To learn the five positions of High 5 Netball and their playing areas
To understand where each position is allowed to move on court
To apply positional knowledge in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will identify all five High 5 Netball positions and their court restrictions
Students will demonstrate correct positioning for centre passes
Students will apply positional rules during modified game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Check balls are properly inflated before lesson

Alternative: Size 4 netballs, tennis balls for beginners

Posts

Ensure posts are stable and at correct height

Alternative: Basketball hoops, markers for goal areas

Team bibs

Organise into two distinct colours for teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

High 5 Netball Rules Document

Keep accessible for quick reference during lesson

Alternative: Laminated position cards, wall chart

Markers Cones

Mark court areas clearly if lines not visible

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Key Vocabulary

High 5 Netball

Modified version of netball with five players per team and adapted rules for young players

Goal Shooter (GS)

Position that can shoot goals and play in goal third and shooting semi-circle

Goal Attack (GA)

Position that can shoot goals and play in centre and goal thirds

Centre (C)

Position that can play in all thirds except the shooting semi-circles

Goal Defence (GD)

Position that defends goals and can play in centre and goal thirds

Goal Keeper (GK)

Position that defends in goal third and shooting semi-circle only

Onside

Correct starting position for each player at the centre pass

Court thirds

Three equal sections of the netball court divided by third lines

Shooting semi-circle

Semi-circular area where goals can be scored, only accessible to shooting positions

Centre pass

Pass that starts play, taken from the centre circle

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball skills of passing, catching and shooting
Understanding of team games and simple rules
Experience with moving into space

Current Skills

Knowledge of High 5 Netball positions
Understanding of court areas and boundaries
Application of positional restrictions in games

Next Steps

Advanced tactical positioning strategies
Transition between attack and defence positions
Full High 5 Netball match play with officiating

Milestone Indicators

Student can explain all five positions without prompting

Student consistently moves to correct areas during games

Student helps teammates understand positional rules

Key Teaching Points

Reinforce the 'G rule' - positions starting with G can enter semi-circles
Use memorable language like 'busy bee Centre' to aid retention
Always demonstrate position areas physically on court
Connect position learning to tactical game understanding
Provide multiple practice opportunities for position recognition
Emphasise safety during all movement and positioning activities
Use peer teaching opportunities to reinforce learning

Common Misconceptions

All positions can shoot goals - only GS and GA can shoot
Centre can go everywhere - Centre cannot enter semi-circles
GD can enter any semi-circle - only the defensive semi-circle
Positions can change areas freely - each has specific movement restrictions
Court thirds are unimportant - understanding thirds is crucial for positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks and active participation

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for position recognition, simplified court areas initially, peer support for movement activities

autism spectrum

Clear routines for position changes, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bibs and markers, provide verbal descriptions of all court areas, buddy system for movement activities

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all positions, written position cards for reference, hand signals for game instructions

physical disability

Modified movement activities, seated officiating roles, adapted court sizes for wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting positions and players, measuring court dimensions, understanding thirds and fractions of court space

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, physics of shooting trajectories, energy transfer in passing

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and court orientation, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, following rules and fair play, communication and leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter to observe all students, position centrally during instruction phases

Observation Focus

Watch for correct positional understanding, safe movement between areas, application of rules

Intervention Points

Step in when students consistently misunderstand positions, when safety concerns arise, when rule clarification needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing positions, physically walk court areas, use bibs to show position letters

Verbal Cues

•'Remember the G rule!'
•'Check which third you're allowed in!'
•'Think about your position's job!'
•'Where would you start for a centre pass?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court minimum 30m x 15m, clear run-off areas around court

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, proper netball court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are stable and properly secured
•Ensure balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate sizes
•Check court markings are clear and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during rapid position changes
•Trips on court lines or markers
•Contact during game situations
•Overexertion during continuous movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instructions before all movement activities
•Adequate spacing during position practice
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular breaks and assessment of student fatigue
•Clear boundaries and court area awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor both games during application phase
•Watch for correct rule application to prevent injuries
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury occurs