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Lesson 7 - Small Sided Netball Games

Foundations & High 5 Skills

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

Check inflation levels, one ball per game area

Alternative: Size 4 balls, foam balls for beginners

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and game areas

Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags

Hoops

Position at corners and scoring areas for games

Alternative: Targets, buckets, chalk circles

Team bibs

Ensure clear team identification in all games

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured tops

High 5 Netball Rules Document

Keep visible for quick reference during games

Alternative: Laminated rule cards, visual rule displays

Base Stations

Mark third divisions if permanent lines not available

Alternative: Cones, chairs, permanent court markings

Key Vocabulary

Contact

Physical interference with an opponent's play

Obstruction

Defending within 0.9 metres (3 feet) without attempting to intercept

Held Ball

Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds

Footwork

Moving both feet after catching the ball without passing

Penalty Pass

Free pass where offending player stands beside opponent until ball is released

Free Pass

Unobstructed pass awarded for minor infringements

Tactical Awareness

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

Consistent rule application without teacher intervention

Clear tactical decisions in game situations

Leadership in team organisation and fair play

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