Lesson 3 - Attacking Play and Team Movement
Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep
•Year 4
•Netball
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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
Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for passing practice
Use different colours for different positions/zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, or playground chalk for lines
Position at regulation height if available (3.05m)
Alternative: Basketball hoops, large cones, wall targets
Organise in team sets for easy distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
The team or players trying to score goals by moving the ball towards the goal
Moving smoothly and continuously to create space and receive passes
Passing the ball ahead of a moving teammate so they can run onto it
Moving to an area where there are no defenders to receive a pass
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball easily
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
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