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Lesson 2 - Passing & Defending Skills

Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep

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Year 4

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Netball

1 per 4 students (8 balls for class of 30)

Pre-positioned around activity areas before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or playground balls if netballs unavailable

Cones

20 cones

Used to mark 10x10m squares and player positions

Alternative: Bean bags or chalk marks on tarmac

Sun Markers

15 spots

Mark specific standing positions for defensive practice

Alternative: Cones or drawn circles with chalk

Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Different colours for attackers, defenders, and rotating players

Alternative: None - use team identification method

Key Vocabulary

Feinting

Making a fake movement to deceive the defender about where you intend to pass

Giving the eyes

Looking in one direction while intending to pass in another to confuse the defender

Intercepting

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for the opposing team

Ready position

Balanced stance on balls of feet, knees bent, arms ready to move quickly

Shadow defence

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

Successful completion of passes under defensive pressure

Interception of at least 2 passes during practice sessions

Accurate self-assessment using thumbs up/neutral/down system

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