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Lesson 5 - High 5 Game Play & Rules

Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

6-8 balls

Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, large playground balls

Cones

20 cones

Mark out 10x10m squares and court boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Posts

2 posts (or 4 for dual courts)

Ensure posts are stable and at correct height

Alternative: Basketball hoops, target areas on wall

Whistles

2-3 whistles

Clean whistles available for student officials

Alternative: Hand claps, voice commands

Score Sheets

4-6 sheets

Simple scoring sheets for student team managers

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, paper and pencils

Bibs

14 bibs (7 each colour)

Ensure bibs are clean and clearly distinguish teams

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

High 5 Netball

A modified version of netball designed for primary school children with 5 players per team

Officiating

Acting as an umpire or referee to ensure fair play and rule following

Centre pass

The way play starts and restarts after a goal, taken from the centre circle

Footwork rule

Once you catch the ball, you cannot move the foot that landed first

Interception

Gaining possession of the ball from the opposing team during a pass

Goal third

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

Students officiate without adult prompting

Students provide specific, helpful feedback to peers

Students demonstrate understanding through teaching others

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