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Lesson 5 - Footwork Rules and Court Play

Tactics & Positional Play

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

How can mastering footwork rules help us become more effective netball players?

Learning Objectives

Apply correct footwork rules consistently during netball gameplay
Recognise and avoid footwork fouls in competitive situations
Use sideline rules appropriately when the ball goes out of play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper two-foot and one-foot landing techniques
Students will pivot correctly using the back foot as the stationary base
Students will apply footwork and sideline rules in full game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 4 students (8 balls for class of 32)

Properly inflated, distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Cones

20-25 cones

Different colours for star formation and court boundaries

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags

Hoops

12 hoops (3 per group of 4)

Laid flat on ground in sequence for landing practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Bibs

2 sets of different colours (10 of each)

Ready for team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Posts

2 sets for scoring targets

Positioned at court ends or designated scoring areas

Alternative: Large hoops on stands, marked targets on walls

Key Vocabulary

Two-foot landing

Landing with both feet touching the ground simultaneously, shoulder-width apart for stability

One-foot landing

Landing with one foot first, then quickly grounding the second foot

Pivoting

Rotating on one stationary foot while keeping that foot in contact with the ground

Footwork foul

Illegal movement of feet including moving the pivot foot or taking extra steps

Sideline rules

Rules governing play when the ball crosses the court boundary lines

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of netball positions and court areas
Experience playing modified netball games

Current Skills

Two-foot landing technique with shoulder-width stance
One-foot landing followed by grounding the second foot
Pivoting on the back foot while keeping it stationary
Applying sideline rules during gameplay

Next Steps

Advanced pivoting techniques under defensive pressure
Quick decision-making for optimal foot positioning
Understanding contact rules and defending principles

Milestone Indicators

Lands with feet shoulder-width apart for stability

Consistently uses back foot as pivot when landing sequentially

Recognises and self-corrects footwork errors

Applies rules confidently in competitive situations

Key Teaching Points

Two-foot landings require shoulder-width stance for stability and balance
In one-foot landings, the back foot (second foot down) becomes the pivot foot
The pivot foot must remain in contact with the ground at all times
Sideline rules award possession to the team that didn't last touch the ball
Footwork fouls result in possession change at the point where foul occurred
Proper knee bend during landing absorbs impact and improves control
Court positioning and movement rules are essential for fair netball gameplay

Common Misconceptions

Students often think they can move both feet after catching - emphasise pivot foot rules
Confusion about which foot is the pivot foot in one-foot landings - teach 'back foot stays'
Believing sideline rules are the same as football - explain netball-specific possession rules
Thinking footwork only matters when catching - highlight importance during all court movement
Assuming all landings should be two-footed - explain when each type is most appropriate

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include frequent activity changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive behaviour reinforcement

dyspraxia

Break down skills into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules for activities, offer quiet space for breaks when needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for starts and stops, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations

physical disability

Modify landing requirements, allow seated catching and throwing, use larger targets and shorter distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication during gameplay, explaining rules to others

Maths

Measuring court dimensions, counting successful catches, calculating angles during pivoting movements

Science

Understanding forces during landing, balance and centre of gravity, momentum in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding court directions and boundaries, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions, showing respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at court edge for visibility of all players, move between games to provide support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork technique, rule compliance, and safety during gameplay

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are consistently broken, safety is compromised, or students need technical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for footwork demonstrations, clearly show correct vs incorrect techniques, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Two feet together, shoulder-width apart!'
•'Back foot stays down when pivoting!'
•'Where did the ball cross the line?'
•'Great footwork under pressure!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court space (30m x 15m) or closest approximation, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netballs properly inflated and appropriate size
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Hoops laid flat and secure for landing practice
•Goal posts stable and correctly positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during game play
•Ankle injuries from poor landing technique
•Contact between players competing for ball
•Overexertion during high-intensity games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate space between courts
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled landings and proper technique
•Regular water breaks and monitoring of exertion levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor footwork practice for correct technique
•Watch for signs of fatigue during games
•Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required