Lesson 8 - Netball Positions & Court
Foundations & High 5 Skills
•Year 4
•Netball
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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
Check balls are properly inflated before lesson
Alternative: Size 4 netballs, tennis balls for beginners
Ensure posts are stable and at correct height
Alternative: Basketball hoops, markers for goal areas
Organise into two distinct colours for teams
Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants
Keep accessible for quick reference during lesson
Alternative: Laminated position cards, wall chart
Mark court areas clearly if lines not visible
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers
Key Vocabulary
Modified version of netball with five players per team and adapted rules for young players
Position that can shoot goals and play in goal third and shooting semi-circle
Position that can shoot goals and play in centre and goal thirds
Position that can play in all thirds except the shooting semi-circles
Position that defends goals and can play in centre and goal thirds
Position that defends in goal third and shooting semi-circle only
Correct starting position for each player at the centre pass
Three equal sections of the netball court divided by third lines
Semi-circular area where goals can be scored, only accessible to shooting positions
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
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