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Lesson 6 - Tracking and Tournament Play

Strategic Passing & Tournament Prep

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

6-8 balls

Check inflation levels before lesson

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Posts

2 sets

Ensure posts are secure and at correct height

Alternative: Basketball hoops, target circles on wall

Coloured Cones

16 (4 each of 4 colours)

Place 4 different colours for assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured markers, spots

Bibs

14 (7 each of 2 colours)

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts

Scorecards

4-6 cards

Pre-prepared with team names and score columns

Alternative: Clipboard and paper, whiteboard

Whistles

2-3 whistles

For student officials to use

Alternative: Hand signals only

Key Vocabulary

Tracking

Following an opponent's movements whilst maintaining awareness of ball position

Officiating

Taking responsibility for ensuring fair play and rule enforcement

Round Robin

A tournament format where every team plays every other team once

School Games Values

Six key values: passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork

Sideways Position

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

Consistent tracking without losing sight of ball or opponent

Fair and confident officiating decisions

Positive role modelling during competitive play

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