Lesson 5 - High 5 Game Play & Rules
Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep
•Year 4
•Netball
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How can I contribute to a successful netball game both as a player and through other important roles?
Learning Objectives
- To play a game of High 5 Netball whilst abiding by the rules
- To take on multiple roles within the game including officiating
- To reflect on and recognise success in myself and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of High 5 Netball rules during game play
- Students will successfully take on roles as officials, team managers, and supporters
- Students will provide constructive feedback about their own and others' performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, large playground balls
Mark out 10x10m squares and court boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers
Ensure posts are stable and at correct height
Alternative: Basketball hoops, target areas on wall
Clean whistles available for student officials
Alternative: Hand claps, voice commands
Simple scoring sheets for student team managers
Alternative: Mini whiteboards, paper and pencils
Ensure bibs are clean and clearly distinguish teams
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands
Key Vocabulary
A modified version of netball designed for primary school children with 5 players per team
Acting as an umpire or referee to ensure fair play and rule following
The way play starts and restarts after a goal, taken from the centre circle
Once you catch the ball, you cannot move the foot that landed first
Gaining possession of the ball from the opposing team during a pass
The area of the court where goals can be scored, including the goal circle
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can pass and catch a netball with increasing accuracy
- Students understand basic netball positions and court areas
- Students can work cooperatively in team situations
Current Skills
- Applying High 5 Netball rules in game situations
- Taking on officiating and leadership responsibilities
- Reflecting on performance and providing constructive feedback
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical understanding in netball
- Consistent officiating of competitive matches
- Mentoring younger students in netball skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Centre pass must be taken with both feet in centre circle and ball passed within 4 seconds
- Footwork rule application - no stepping once ball is caught, pivoting allowed on non-landing foot
- Importance of all roles - playing, officiating, scoring, and team management are equally valuable
- Ball must be caught or touched in centre third on centre pass
- Teams alternate centre passes after each goal scored
- Officials should be confident, fair, and help players understand rules
- Good sportsmanship includes accepting decisions and encouraging teammates
Common Misconceptions
- Only playing roles matter - officiating and support roles are equally important for game success
- You can run with the ball - strict footwork rules apply once ball is caught
- Officials just blow whistles - good officiating requires understanding, communication and confidence
- Winning is everything - learning, improvement and sportsmanship are the real measures of success
- Centre pass can go anywhere - must be caught or touched in centre third
- Officials decisions can be argued - respect for officials is fundamental to fair play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear, short instructions, regular role changes, opportunities for movement and responsibility
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls, simplified court markings, extra practice time for officiating signals
autism spectrum
- Clear routines for role changes, visual schedule of activities, quiet officiating role if preferred
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of play, buddy system for court awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for officiating, written instructions, clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
- Modified court size, seated passing options, adapted equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, following and giving clear instructions, descriptive vocabulary for feedback
Maths
Scorekeeping, timing games (minutes and seconds), counting passes and understanding number patterns
Science
Understanding forces in passing and catching, reaction times, heart rate changes during exercise
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, managing emotions in competitive situations, respect and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between games to observe and support student officials, maintain overview of all activities
Observation Focus
Watch for rule application, safe play, and effective officiating by students
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with officiating, if safety concerns arise, or to clarify complex rules
Demonstration Notes
Model good officiating decisions, show correct positioning for centre pass, demonstrate fair and encouraging leadership
Verbal Cues
- •'Think about your footwork!'
- •'Officials, what do you see?'
- •'Great teamwork, keep supporting each other!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court or marked area minimum 15m x 30m, clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from hazards, appropriate for running and changing direction
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netball posts are stable and properly anchored
- •Ensure balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Verify cones are visible and not cracked or broken
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Falls when changing direction or jumping
- •Finger injuries from catching
- •Impact from balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about contact and safe play
- •Proper warm-up and movement preparation
- •Teaching correct catching technique
- •Adequate space between games/activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all games simultaneously
- •Monitor officiating decisions for safety
- •Watch for fatigue or inappropriate aggression
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, seek appropriate medical assistance