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Lesson 2 - Shooting Techniques & Tactics

Tactics & Positional Play

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Year 4

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we work as a team to create and convert shooting opportunities in netball?

Learning Objectives

Develop basic shooting technique using correct body position and ball release
Apply positional understanding in attacking team play
Demonstrate effective teamwork to create scoring opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy using taught technique
Students will show understanding of High 5 netball positions and movement areas
Students will work effectively in teams to move the ball into shooting positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed at activity stations around the area

Alternative: Size 4 balls, playground balls for younger students

Posts

4-6 posts

Positioned at corners and sides of activity area

Alternative: Basketball hoops, target hoops on poles

Hoops

8-10 hoops

Used for target practice and ground targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones in circles

Wall Space

10 metres of wall

Mark target spots at various heights

Alternative: Large target boards, fence panels

Cones

20 cones

Mark court areas and activity boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk marks

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Distinguish between positions and teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Team bibs

1 set

Visual reference for position areas

Alternative: Hand-drawn diagrams, laminated sheets

Key Vocabulary

Goal Attack (GA)

Position that can move in the centre third and goal third, allowed to shoot

Goal Shooter (GS)

Position restricted to goal third only, primary shooting role

Centre (C)

Position that can move in all thirds except goal circles, links play

Goal Defence (GD)

Defensive position covering centre third and defensive goal third

Goal Keeper (GK)

Defensive position restricted to goal third, primary defender

Shooting technique

Method of propelling ball towards goal using correct body mechanics

Court areas

Designated zones where specific positions are allowed to play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills and catching techniques
Understanding of simple court markings and boundaries
Experience with team games and following rules

Current Skills

Shooting technique with correct preparation and release
Understanding High 5 netball positions and allowed areas
Tactical awareness in attacking and defending phases

Next Steps

Advanced shooting under defensive pressure
Complex team attacking patterns and strategies
Official 7-a-side netball positions and rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent shooting technique with 4 out of 6 key teaching points

Confident movement within position-specific court areas

Effective communication and teamwork during game situations

Key Teaching Points

Shooting technique must prioritise form over accuracy in early stages
Positional understanding is fundamental to effective team play
Communication and teamwork are as important as individual skills
Progressive challenges build confidence and competence
Safety awareness must be maintained throughout all activities
Positive reinforcement encourages risk-taking and skill development
Game application consolidates learning in authentic contexts

Common Misconceptions

Believing power comes only from arms rather than whole body coordination
Thinking successful shots matter more than correct technique development
Assuming all positions can shoot from anywhere on the court
Expecting immediate accuracy without consistent practice and patience
Focusing on individual performance rather than team success in games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, hands-on learning opportunities, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger balls and targets, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written station cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapted shooting positions (seated/supported), modified targets at appropriate heights, alternative ball sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring shooting distances, calculating success rates, angles and trajectories of shots

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, arc and gravity effects, body mechanics in shooting

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directional language, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between activity stations during carousel, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Monitor shooting technique development, assess tactical understanding, watch for safety concerns

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique correction during practice, manage game flow

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdown, exaggerate key positions, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Ball above head, not in front!'
•'Straight shooting arm like a soldier!'
•'Smooth release with wrist flick!'
•'Work together to get the ball to your shooters!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m hard court area with netball post access

Surface Check

Dry, even hard court surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are secure and at correct height
•Ensure netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify hoops have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts during shooting practice
•Collisions during game play
•Falls due to quick directional changes
•Finger injuries from incorrect ball handling

Risk Mitigation

•Clear shooting directions established at all stations
•Adequate spacing maintained between active shooters
•Controlled game play with clear positional boundaries
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during carousel activities
•Close monitoring during game application phase
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required