Lesson 5 - Footwork Rules and Court Play
Tactics & Positional Play
•Year 4
•Netball
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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
Properly inflated, distributed around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls
Different colours for star formation and court boundaries
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags
Laid flat on ground in sequence for landing practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Ready for team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Positioned at court ends or designated scoring areas
Alternative: Large hoops on stands, marked targets on walls
Key Vocabulary
Landing with both feet touching the ground simultaneously, shoulder-width apart for stability
Landing with one foot first, then quickly grounding the second foot
Rotating on one stationary foot while keeping that foot in contact with the ground
Illegal movement of feet including moving the pivot foot or taking extra steps
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
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