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Lesson 3 - Passing and Moving to Goal

Foundations & High 5 Skills

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Year 4

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Netball

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1h 12min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to move the ball effectively towards our goal whilst following netball rules?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate passing techniques using bounce, chest and shoulder passes
To understand and apply the footwork rule in game situations
To demonstrate effective movement into space to support team play

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply the footwork rule during passing activities
Students will select appropriate passing techniques based on distance and game situation
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by moving into space to receive passes

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Cones

5 for warm-up, 3 for distance markers

5 cones scattered for warm-up, 3 in line at 3m, 4m, 6m intervals

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk marks

Hoops

10 for target practice

Spread evenly around playing area at varying distances

Alternative: Buckets, chalk circles, rope circles

Team bibs

8 for defenders

Keep ready for defender identification in games

Alternative: Bibs, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Footwork rule

Once you catch the ball, you cannot move your landing foot - you can only pivot on it

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces once on the ground before reaching your partner

Chest pass

A direct pass from chest height to your partner's chest

Shoulder pass

A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height for longer distances

Moving into space

Running to an area away from defenders where you can receive a pass

Attacking

When your team has the ball and is trying to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of catching with two hands
Awareness of working with a partner

Current Skills

Three types of netball passes (bounce, chest, shoulder)
Footwork rule application
Moving into space without the ball
Basic attacking strategies

Next Steps

Defending techniques and interception
Positional play in netball
Advanced attacking patterns
Shooting skills and goal circle work

Milestone Indicators

Consistent footwork rule application

Accurate passes over varying distances

Effective space creation and utilisation

Understanding of when to use different passes

Key Teaching Points

Footwork rule is fundamental - landing foot cannot move once ball is caught
Pass selection depends on distance and situation - bounce (3m), chest (4m), shoulder (6m)
Communication between partners is essential for successful attacking play
Moving into space without the ball is as important as skilled passing
Defenders should intercept passes, not block players - maintain fair play
Technique should be prioritised over speed in all passing activities
Safety through controlled passing and awareness of others' positions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can move freely once you have the ball - clarify footwork rule with frequent demonstrations
Believing all passes should be thrown with maximum power - emphasise control and accuracy
Assuming the closest pass is always best - teach appropriate pass selection for different distances
Thinking defenders should block players rather than intercept passes - clarify defensive rules
Believing communication isn't necessary with a regular partner - stress ongoing communication importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards available

physical disability

Adapted passing from seated position, modified distances, larger or softer balls, wheelchair accessible court areas

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes accurately, measuring distances for different pass types, calculating scores and success rates

Science

Understanding forces in passing, trajectory and angles, reaction times in catching and defending

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns on court

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal viewing, position near less confident students during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork rule application, passing technique accuracy, and safe defensive play

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for footwork violations, unsafe defensive contact, or poor technique patterns

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Land and stick!' for footwork rule
•'Step and push!' for passing technique
•'Find space!' for movement activities

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half netball court minimum (15m x 15m), clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with good grip, free from debris or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are stable and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts from poor catches or wild throws
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Contact during defensive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled passes rather than power
•Strict rules about defensive contact levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during movement games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure defensive activities remain non-contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for injury management