Lesson 4 - One-to-One Marking and Positioning
Tactics & Positional Play
•Year 4
•Netball
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How can we use marking and positioning to prevent the opposing team from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To apply one-to-one marking effectively in small-sided and full games
- To understand the importance of communication and positioning in defence
- To demonstrate netball skills within the rules and positional play
Key Outcomes
- Students will mark opponents consistently throughout game situations
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates during defensive play
- Students will play full netball games following positional rules
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure balls are properly inflated for accurate passing
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs
Position at regulation height if possible (3.05m)
Alternative: Basketball hoops, large cones with hoops attached
Mark out thirds and shooting circles clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries
Ensure clear distinction between teams
Alternative: Coloured shirts, temporary markers
One for teacher, extras for student umpires
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
Staying close to and tracking one specific opponent to prevent them receiving the ball
Following an opponent's movements closely to restrict their options
Quickly looking behind to see where your marked player is moving
Catching or deflecting a pass intended for the opposition
Playing within the court areas designated for your position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing and catching techniques
- Understanding of court areas and basic positions
- Experience with small-sided netball games
Current Skills
- One-to-one marking techniques
- Defensive positioning and movement
- Communication during game play
- Full game positional play
Next Steps
- Team defensive strategies
- Advanced marking techniques
- Intercepting and turnover skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain legal distance of approximately 1 metre when marking opponents
- Keep eyes on both your marked player and the ball location
- Communicate clearly with teammates about marking assignments
- Stay in designated court areas according to your position
- Move feet quickly to stay in marking position as opponents change direction
- Use checking over shoulder technique to track opponent movement
- Apply pressure without making physical contact
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking marking means you can touch or hold the opponent
- Believing you should watch only the ball and ignore your marked player
- Assuming all players can move anywhere on the court
- Thinking that marking is only important when the opponent has the ball
- Believing that shouting loudly is the same as effective communication
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger balls for easier handling, reduced court complexity
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual court maps, quiet spaces available, predictable position assignments
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written position cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify court size, allow seated positions where appropriate, adapt marking distances, provide rest breaks
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances (1 metre rule), counting passes, calculating game scores, understanding court dimensions and angles
Science
Understanding forces in ball movement, balance and stability during marking, reaction times and movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding court layout and directional movement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, respect for rules and opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter to observe all players, position near goal areas during shooting practice
Observation Focus
Watch for legal distance maintenance, effective communication, positional rule compliance
Intervention Points
Step in when rules are broken, when players become frustrated, if safety issues arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations for marking position, show legal distance using measuring aids, model effective communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay with your player!'
- •'One metre distance!'
- •'Call out who you're marking!'
- •'Check over your shoulder!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court (30m x 15m) or equivalent marked area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netball posts are secure and at appropriate height
- •Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Verify court markings are clear and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during game play
- •Contact during marking activities
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Ball strikes to head or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise no-contact rules throughout activities
- •Ensure adequate space between playing groups
- •Teach proper distance for marking (1 metre rule)
- •Monitor player fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all players during activities
- •Watch for rule compliance and safety
- •Monitor physical contact levels
- •Ensure all students understand emergency stop signals
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop on whistle signal, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with school procedures