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Lesson 3 - Attacking Play and Team Movement

Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

How can attacking players work together to create space and scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop fluid positioning and movement in attack
To understand the importance of passing ahead of moving teammates
To demonstrate understanding of netball rules and accept officials' decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved attacking movement patterns
Students will show understanding of forward passing principles
Students will accept and respond positively to referee decisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per pair (15 balls)

Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for passing practice

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Use different colours for different positions/zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or playground chalk for lines

Posts

2 posts or targets

Position at regulation height if available (3.05m)

Alternative: Basketball hoops, large cones, wall targets

Coloured Bibs

14 bibs (7 each colour)

Organise in team sets for easy distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Attacking

The team or players trying to score goals by moving the ball towards the goal

Fluid positioning

Moving smoothly and continuously to create space and receive passes

Forward passing

Passing the ball ahead of a moving teammate so they can run onto it

Creating space

Moving to an area where there are no defenders to receive a pass

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball easily

End zone

The scoring area at each end of the playing area where goals are scored

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques (chest, shoulder, bounce pass)
Understanding of netball court positions
Experience of playing modified netball games

Current Skills

Fluid attacking movement and positioning
Forward passing to moving teammates
Understanding and accepting referee decisions

Next Steps

Complex attacking patterns with multiple options
Defensive strategies and transitions
Advanced game tactics and set plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistently passes ahead of moving teammates

Creates space effectively through movement

Accepts decisions without argument or negative body language

Key Teaching Points

Forward passing is about timing - pass where your teammate will be, not where they are
Creating space requires movement away from defenders, not just standing still
Team attacking works best when all players understand their role and communicate
Good sportsmanship means accepting all referee decisions without argument
Attacking players must be constantly moving to stay one step ahead of defenders
Quick decision making under pressure is a key skill for successful attacking play
Supporting teammates through encouragement helps the whole team perform better

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Any player can score from anywhere. Reality: Positions have specific court areas and roles
Misconception: Passing directly to a teammate is always best. Reality: Passing to space ahead of moving teammates is more effective
Misconception: Arguing with referees will change their decisions. Reality: Accepting decisions gracefully shows good sportsmanship
Misconception: Individual skill is more important than teamwork. Reality: Netball success depends on coordinated team play
Misconception: Standing still makes you easier to pass to. Reality: Movement creates space and makes defending difficult

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, assign sighted peer support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for common instructions, written rule cards available

physical disability

Adapt to seated passing where appropriate, modify court areas, use lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces in passing, momentum in movement, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Using directional language, understanding spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions gracefully, supporting teammates, managing emotions in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to provide individual feedback, position near games to monitor sportsmanship

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of forward passing, quality of attacking movement, acceptance of decisions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with timing, need tactical guidance, or show poor sportsmanship

Demonstration Notes

Use students as models when they demonstrate good technique, exaggerate movements for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Pass where they're going, not where they are!'
•'Create space by moving away from defenders!'
•'Great sportsmanship accepting that decision!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum half netball court (15m x 30m) or equivalent space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is dry, even, and free from obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

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

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during movement activities
•Contact injuries during competitive games
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe zones
•Emphasise non-contact nature of netball
•Provide adequate spacing between groups during activities
•Ensure proper warm-up before intense activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor closely during competitive games for inappropriate contact
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Be alert for disputes that might escalate

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed