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Lesson 3 - Playing in Thirds & Attacking

Tactics & Positional Play

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Year 4

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use the court thirds effectively to build a strong attacking play towards the goal?

Learning Objectives

To understand and define the roles of Goal Attack and Centre in building attacking play
To demonstrate effective passing and movement within appropriate court thirds
To apply knowledge of court positions and areas during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently work together to build attacking plays using court thirds
Students will demonstrate understanding of where GA and Centre can play on court
Students will explain the importance of thirds in netball positioning and play

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for younger students

Court Markings

1 full court (or equivalent marked area)

Ensure all lines are clearly visible, add cone markers if needed

Alternative: Cones to mark thirds and goal circles

Posts

Position at regulation height (3.05m) or appropriate height for Year 4

Alternative: Basketball hoops, large target hoops on stands

Coloured Bibs

15 (in 2-3 colours)

Different colours for different positions or teams

Alternative: Team bands, coloured shirts

Cones

Use to mark river boundaries and practice areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk for lines

Key Vocabulary

Thirds

The three equal sections of a netball court that determine where different positions can play

Goal Attack (GA)

A playing position that can move in the attacking third and centre third to help build play and score goals

Centre (C)

The only position allowed in all three thirds of the court, responsible for linking defence and attack

Intercept

To catch or deflect the ball when the opposing team is trying to pass

Building play

Working the ball through the court thirds towards the goal using passing and movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching skills
Understanding of netball court layout
Knowledge of some netball positions

Current Skills

Court positioning within thirds
Building attacking play with GA and Centre
Understanding defensive interception

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques
Complex team strategies
Full 7-a-side game understanding

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing while moving

Natural positioning in correct thirds

Strategic thinking in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Goal Attack can play in attacking third and centre third only
Centre is the only position that can play in all three thirds
Building an attack means working the ball forward through the thirds
Quick, accurate passing helps maintain possession and create opportunities
Communication between teammates is essential for effective play
Court positioning rules exist to create balanced, tactical gameplay
Defensive positioning is about anticipation, not just chasing the ball

Common Misconceptions

Goal Attack can play anywhere on court like Centre
It's always better to pass backwards to maintain possession
Defenders should always chase the ball rather than position strategically
Thirds are just arbitrary divisions with no tactical importance
Only the person with the ball needs to move and make decisions
Netball is just about getting the ball to the shooter as quickly as possible

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time, visual cues for positioning

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule, quiet zones available, consistent routines, advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for movement

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written position cards, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Modify court size, use larger/lighter balls, allow seated play options, adjust game rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting thirds, fractions of the court, measuring distances between players, calculating time for activities

Science

Forces in passing, trajectory of ball flight, body systems during exercise, physics of ball bounce

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions on court, mapping movement patterns, understanding of areas and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, respect for rules and others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central court position allowing oversight of all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct positioning, accurate passing, effective communication, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are forgotten, technique needs correction, or unsafe play occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility. Model both correct and incorrect examples for contrast. Include students in demonstrations when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Quick pass!'
•'Find space!'
•'Where can you play?'
•'Work together!'
•'Build the play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half or full netball court (minimum 20m x 15m), clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear worn

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netballs inflated to correct pressure
•Goal posts stable and at appropriate height
•Bibs in good condition without sharp edges
•Cones positioned safely away from main activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Ball impacts during passing drills
•Trips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during continuous game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Controlled contact rules for defensive play
•Regular rest periods during intense activities
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor game intensity and rotate players regularly
•Watch for fatigue and inappropriate contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, follow school procedures