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Big Question

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

Netball
15 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation and distribute around activity areas

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for variety

Cones
30

Use for partner positioning and scoring area boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for positioning

Bibs
15 (2 colours)

Distribute for team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Chest Protection

Bringing the caught ball immediately to the chest to maintain control and prevent opponents from stealing

Finger and Thumb Catching

Using fingertips and thumbs to control the ball rather than catching with palms

Ball Snatching

Quickly grabbing a contested ball and securing it to the chest before opponents

Toss Up

Method of restarting play where the ball is thrown between two opposing players

Scoring Area

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

1
Consistent catching without fumbling
2
Automatic chest protection reflex
3
Effective communication during gameplay

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