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Lesson 4 - One-to-One Marking and Positioning

Tactics & Positional Play

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

8-10

Ensure balls are properly inflated for accurate passing

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs

Posts

2 sets

Position at regulation height if possible (3.05m)

Alternative: Basketball hoops, large cones with hoops attached

Markers Cones

Mark out thirds and shooting circles clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Bibs

14 (7 of each colour)

Ensure clear distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured shirts, temporary markers

Whistles

2-3

One for teacher, extras for student umpires

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

One-to-one marking

Staying close to and tracking one specific opponent to prevent them receiving the ball

Shadowing

Following an opponent's movements closely to restrict their options

Checking over shoulder

Quickly looking behind to see where your marked player is moving

Intercepting

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for the opposition

Positional play

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

Maintains marking assignment throughout game

Communicates effectively with teammates

Follows positional rules consistently

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