Lesson 7 - Small Sided Netball Games
Foundations & High 5 Skills
•Year 4
•Netball
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How can we use tactical awareness and netball rules to dominate in small-sided games?
Learning Objectives
- To play small-sided games using netball rules effectively
- To apply simple tactics in attack and defence
- To demonstrate understanding of netball rules and their consequences
Key Outcomes
- Students will play small-sided netball games applying High 5 rules consistently
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in both attacking and defensive situations
- Students will officiate their own games showing understanding of fair play
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation levels, one ball per game area
Alternative: Size 4 balls, foam balls for beginners
Use to mark court boundaries and game areas
Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags
Position at corners and scoring areas for games
Alternative: Targets, buckets, chalk circles
Ensure clear team identification in all games
Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured tops
Keep visible for quick reference during games
Alternative: Laminated rule cards, visual rule displays
Mark third divisions if permanent lines not available
Alternative: Cones, chairs, permanent court markings
Key Vocabulary
Physical interference with an opponent's play
Defending within 0.9 metres (3 feet) without attempting to intercept
Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds
Moving both feet after catching the ball without passing
Free pass where offending player stands beside opponent until ball is released
Unobstructed pass awarded for minor infringements
Understanding when and where to move to help your team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing techniques (chest, bounce, overhead)
- Understanding of court areas and basic positioning
- Introduction to High 5 netball rules
Current Skills
- Application of rules in game situations
- Tactical awareness in attack and defence
- Self-officiating and fair play
Next Steps
- Positional play and specialist roles
- Advanced tactics and game strategies
- Tournament play and competitive netball
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise self-officiating and fair play throughout all games
- Focus on tactical awareness rather than just individual skill
- Encourage communication and teamwork in all game situations
- Link movement and positioning to tactical advantage
- Celebrate good sporting behaviour and rule application
- Connect previous learning to new game challenges
- Use peer demonstration and teaching where appropriate
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking all rule breaks result in penalty passes - clarify free pass vs penalty pass
- Believing that winning is more important than fair play
- Assuming that only fast or strong players can be tactically effective
- Thinking that defending means just staying close to opponents
- Believing that rules restrict fun rather than enable fair competition
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for rule processing, provide simplified rule cards, use buddy system for support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of game rotations, establish quiet zone for breaks, use consistent routine language
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of game areas, assign sighted partners for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game changes, ensure clear line of sight for lip reading, provide written rule cards
physical disability
- Adapt games for seated play where needed, modify distances and targets, ensure accessible equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during team discussions, explaining rules and tactics, following instructions
Maths
Counting to three for held ball rule, calculating scores, understanding spatial relationships and distances
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball trajectory, concepts of speed and direction changes
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and areas
PSHE
Fair play and sporting behaviour, teamwork and communication, resolving conflicts, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between three game areas to monitor rule application, fair play, and tactical development
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, rule application, communication, and sporting behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in if rules are consistently ignored, unfair play occurs, or students need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations where possible, correct misconceptions immediately, praise good examples of rule application and tactical play
Verbal Cues
- •'Look for space away from defenders!'
- •'Remember the three-second rule!'
- •'Great defending distance there!'
- •'Excellent fair play - well done!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m space, divided into three distinct game areas with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones are visible and positioned safely
- •Verify hoops are stable and positioned away from boundaries
- •Check team bands are in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players in different game areas
- •Collisions within game areas during competitive play
- •Disputes over rule applications
- •Overexertion during extended game play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between all game areas
- •Adequate spacing maintained between simultaneous games
- •Regular monitoring of game intensity and player behaviour
- •Emphasis on fair play and self-control
- •Clear rules about physical contact
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all three game areas
- •Move regularly between different games
- •Monitor particularly competitive situations
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely occupied