Lesson 2 - Passing & Defending Skills
Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep
•Year 4
•Netball
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How can I outsmart a defender to keep possession of the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To pass a netball effectively to beat a defender using quick passing, feinting, or 'giving the eyes'
- To defend individually and as part of a team using correct positioning and movement
- To reflect on and recognise success in myself and others during netball activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least two different passing techniques to beat defenders
- Students will show understanding of defensive positioning through practical application
- Students will accurately assess their own and others' performances using specific criteria
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-positioned around activity areas before lesson starts
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls if netballs unavailable
Used to mark 10x10m squares and player positions
Alternative: Bean bags or chalk marks on tarmac
Mark specific standing positions for defensive practice
Alternative: Cones or drawn circles with chalk
Different colours for attackers, defenders, and rotating players
Alternative: None - use team identification method
Key Vocabulary
Making a fake movement to deceive the defender about where you intend to pass
Looking in one direction while intending to pass in another to confuse the defender
Catching or deflecting a pass intended for the opposing team
Balanced stance on balls of feet, knees bent, arms ready to move quickly
Copying an opponent's movements to practice defensive positioning
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic chest and bounce passing techniques
- Understanding of simple netball rules
- Ability to move safely in shared space
Current Skills
- Tactical passing under pressure
- Individual defensive positioning and movement
- Self and peer assessment skills
Next Steps
- Team defensive strategies and formations
- Advanced passing techniques under increased pressure
- Leadership roles in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive ready position with weight on balls of feet and knees slightly bent
- Feinting requires convincing fake movement followed by quick accurate pass
- Defenders should watch the ball not the thrower's eyes for successful interceptions
- Quick passing under pressure requires good communication and spatial awareness
- Effective teamwork involves supporting teammates and celebrating collective success
- Self-reflection helps identify personal strengths and areas for improvement
- Peer assessment develops observation skills and positive team culture
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that faster passing is always better - accuracy and timing are more important
- Believing that defenders should always chase the ball carrier - positioning is key
- Assuming that bigger movements make better feints - subtle deception is often more effective
- Thinking that only catching the ball counts as successful defending - deflections help too
- Believing that criticism helps teammates improve - positive specific feedback is more effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with more frequent changes, clear simple instructions, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra demonstration and practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure for rotations, offer quiet zone for breaks, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted partner for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts/stops, demonstrate all instructions, provide written tactical cards
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing where appropriate, modify distances for wheelchair users, use larger lighter balls
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills during team activities, descriptive language for tactical discussions, listening skills during instruction
Maths
Counting passes in games, calculating success rates for different passing strategies, measuring distances for optimal positioning
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight, reaction time and reflexes, body systems working during exercise
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when defending becomes challenging, fair play and respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around groups during practice, position at corner for game observation to see multiple areas
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive ready position, passing accuracy under pressure, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with role transitions, safety concerns arise, or groups need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for defensive positioning, demonstrate feinting at half-speed initially, show correct catching technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - bounce on your toes!'
- •'Watch the ball, not the thrower's eyes!'
- •'Quick pass before the defender arrives!'
- •'Well done team - great communication!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface essential for quick direction changes and safe landings
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify spot markers are securely positioned and non-slip
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during small-sided games
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion during intensive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups during practice
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Regular hydration breaks during longer activities
- •Emphasis on controlled passing rather than power
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure rotation systems work smoothly
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if required