Lesson 6 - Tracking and Tournament Play
Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep
•Year 4
•Netball
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How can we combine individual tracking skills with team strategies to succeed in competitive netball?
Learning Objectives
- To track an opponent effectively during game play
- To demonstrate understanding of netball rules through officiating
- To apply the school games values in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will track opponents using sideways positioning and visual awareness
- Students will officiate games fairly showing understanding of rules
- Students will demonstrate passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation levels before lesson
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls
Ensure posts are secure and at correct height
Alternative: Basketball hoops, target circles on wall
Place 4 different colours for assessment activity
Alternative: Coloured markers, spots
Ensure clear colour distinction between teams
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts
Pre-prepared with team names and score columns
Alternative: Clipboard and paper, whiteboard
For student officials to use
Alternative: Hand signals only
Key Vocabulary
Following an opponent's movements whilst maintaining awareness of ball position
Taking responsibility for ensuring fair play and rule enforcement
A tournament format where every team plays every other team once
Six key values: passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Body positioning allowing vision of both ball and opponent simultaneously
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing and catching skills
- Understanding of basic netball positions
- Experience of simple game situations
Current Skills
- Tracking opponents during game play
- Officiating and rule interpretation
- Applying school games values under pressure
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies
- Complex officiating scenarios
- Leadership roles in competitive sports
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tracking requires sideways body position to see both ball and opponent simultaneously
- Officials must make clear, confident decisions and players must respect these decisions
- School games values should be demonstrated consistently, especially under competitive pressure
- Quick, decisive passing is more effective than hesitant, slow passes
- Team reflection should focus on specific improvements rather than general comments
- Self-assessment encourages honest evaluation of learning and progress
- Competitive games provide authentic contexts for applying learned skills
Common Misconceptions
- That tracking means only watching the opponent - students need to understand dual awareness
- That arguing with officials is acceptable - reinforce respect for authority
- That school games values are only important when winning - emphasise values in all situations
- That fast passing means throwing hard - teach accuracy and timing over power
- That self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest reflection
- That tournament games are just for fun - highlight the learning opportunities
- That officiating is easy - recognise the skill and responsibility involved
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear role definitions, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified tracking movements, additional practice time, larger target areas for tagging
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of tournament structure, quiet reflection zones, consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court positions, buddy system for officials
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Modified tracking from seated position, adapted officiating roles, adjusted court boundaries
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during team discussions, vocabulary development, expressing opinions clearly
Maths
Tournament organisation and round robin calculations, score recording and analysis, time management
Science
Understanding body positioning and movement efficiency, reaction times, visual tracking
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of court areas and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions and authority, self-assessment and reflection
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position near officials during games for support
Observation Focus
Look for sideways tracking stance, quality of officiating decisions, demonstration of school values
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe play, support struggling officials, redirect poor sporting behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show tracking technique, model positive responses to official decisions
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance - see both ball and player!'
- •'Officials, be confident in your decisions!'
- •'Show me those school games values!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court or equivalent 30m x 15m space with adequate run-off areas
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface suitable for rapid direction changes and safe landing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netball post stability and height adjustment
- •Ensure balls are correctly inflated and free from damage
- •Verify cones are not cracked or sharp-edged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tracking activities
- •Falls during rapid direction changes
- •Ball impact injuries during fast passing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Speed-walking rule enforced during chase activities
- •Controlled tagging technique taught and monitored
- •Adequate spacing between groups maintained
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activities
- •Circulate during group work to monitor safety
- •Support student officials to ensure fair and safe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, involve office if needed