Lesson 1 - Ball Protection and Chest Control
Tactics & Positional Play
•Year 4
•Netball
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How does protecting the ball in netball help us maintain possession and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To catch the ball cleanly and bring it to the chest for protection
- To apply ball protection skills in competitive game situations
- To work collaboratively as a team to score goals in designated areas
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled catching with immediate chest protection
- Students will show improved ball retention during competitive gameplay
- Students will communicate effectively to support team scoring opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and distribute around activity areas
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for variety
Use for partner positioning and scoring area boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for positioning
Distribute for team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
Bringing the caught ball immediately to the chest to maintain control and prevent opponents from stealing
Using fingertips and thumbs to control the ball rather than catching with palms
Quickly grabbing a contested ball and securing it to the chest before opponents
Method of restarting play where the ball is thrown between two opposing players
Designated zone where teams must successfully catch the ball to score points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of simple passing techniques
- Awareness of space and positioning
Current Skills
- Controlled catching with finger and thumb technique
- Immediate ball protection through chest positioning
- Competitive ball snatching in contested situations
Next Steps
- Advanced passing under pressure
- Strategic positioning for interceptions
- Complex team attack patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise finger and thumb catching technique over palm catching
- Immediate chest protection must become an automatic response
- Clear communication is essential for team success
- Maintain sporting behaviour throughout competitive activities
- Progressive skill building from simple catches to game pressure
- Safety awareness during all contested ball situations
- Positive reinforcement for effort and improvement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking palm catching is safer - correct with finger/thumb demonstration
- Believing speed is more important than control - emphasise technique first
- Assuming chest protection is only needed under pressure - reinforce as standard practice
- Focusing only on winning rather than skill development - redirect to technique goals
- Thinking netball is only for girls - emphasise skills applicable to all sports
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, provide regular positive feedback, allow movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Break down skills into smaller steps, use larger balls initially, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear, consistent routines, use visual schedules for activity progression, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt catching positions for wheelchair users, use lighter balls if needed, modify competition rules for fair participation
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions accurately, communication skills in team activities, vocabulary development for netball terms
Maths
Counting scores and game statistics, measuring distances for activity setup, angles and trajectory for ball flight
Science
Forces in ball flight and catching, body mechanics in movement, reaction times and nervous system responses
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, fair play and sporting behaviour, resilience when facing competitive challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct hand positioning, immediate chest protection, safe competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down under pressure, address unsafe physical contact immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, normal speed for game applications, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingers and thumbs, not palms!'
- •'Snatch to chest immediately!'
- •'Protect that ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, preferably indoor sports hall or outdoor hard court
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, proper drainage if outdoors
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones are stable and positioned safely
- •Verify bibs are clean and appropriate sizes
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries from poor catching
- •Collisions during competitive activities
- •Falls from uncontrolled movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled catching technique
- •Maintain adequate spacing between groups
- •Monitor physical contact during competitions
- •Progress gradually from simple to complex activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during activities
- •Monitor technique to prevent bad habits developing
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required