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Lesson 5 - Exploring Different Passing Styles

Advanced Game Strategies

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Year 5

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Netball

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57 min

Big Question

How can mastering different passing styles give our team a tactical advantage in netball?

Learning Objectives

To explore and apply shoulder and bounce passes effectively in game situations
To understand when and why different passing styles are most effective
To combine various passing techniques to create successful shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate shoulder and bounce passes with correct technique
Students will select appropriate passes based on defensive pressure and space available
Students will create and execute attacking moves using a variety of passing styles

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Spread around court perimeter, easily accessible during activities

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

4-6 posts

Position at opposite ends and sides of playing area

Alternative: Hoops on stands, marked wall targets, or cones as goals

Coloured Bibs

15 in one colour, 15 in another

Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Dish Cones

20-30 cones

Used to mark court boundaries and endzones clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines on hard surfaces, rope boundaries

Stopwatch

For timing possession and activity transitions

Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder pass

A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height, typically used when the receiver is in open space

Bounce pass

A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver, used to get under defensive coverage

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and why to use specific skills based on the game situation

Creating space

Moving to find an area free from defensive pressure to receive or make passes

Defensive pressure

When defenders are positioned close to attackers, limiting their options

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform chest passes accurately
Students understand basic netball rules and positions
Students can move into space to receive passes
Students understand the concept of attacking and defending

Current Skills

Shoulder pass technique and application
Bounce pass technique and application
Tactical passing selection based on game situations
Combining different passes in attacking sequences

Next Steps

Advanced passing under increased defensive pressure
Combination plays using all passing techniques
Transition from attack to defence and vice versa
Positional play in formal netball

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently select appropriate passes for the situation

Passing accuracy maintained when under defensive pressure

Successful creation of shooting opportunities through varied passing

Fluid transition between different passing techniques in game play

Key Teaching Points

Shoulder pass technique: ball at shoulder height, step forward with opposite foot, push through with palm down
Bounce pass selection: use when defender is close, aim two-thirds of way to receiver
Pass selection depends on defensive pressure and available space
Communication between thrower and receiver is essential for success
All passing styles have specific purposes - there's no 'best' pass, only appropriate ones
Game understanding develops through practice in realistic pressure situations
Technique must be maintained even when under competitive pressure

Common Misconceptions

Students may think shoulder pass is always better because it's more powerful - correct by showing when bounce pass is more effective
Students might believe bounce passes are easier - address by showing they require precise aim and timing
Some may think new passes should replace chest pass entirely - emphasise each pass has its place
Misconception that faster passing is always better - teach that appropriate passing is more important
Belief that successful passes are only about technique - highlight importance of decision-making and timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

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

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for technique development, use larger target areas, provide step-by-step movement breakdowns

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines for each activity, use visual schedule for lesson structure, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of pass techniques, implement buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, implement hand signals for pass types, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt passing positions for wheelchair users, modify throwing distances, use lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of pass trajectories, measuring distances for optimal bounce points, calculating success rates for different passing styles

Science

Forces and motion in different passing techniques, gravity's effect on bounce passes, physics of ball flight paths

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on court, reading spaces and angles for optimal passing lanes

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in competitive situations, resilience when learning new skills, respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, appropriate decision-making, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, when defensive pressure becomes too aggressive, or when students struggle with pass selection

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique points, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate, show common mistakes as well as correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'Read the defender!'
•'Space means shoulder pass!'
•'Tight marking means bounce underneath!'
•'Support your teammates' decisions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m court area, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for netball

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure bibs have no sharp edges or damaged fastenings
•Confirm cones are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during game play and movement activities
•Ball strikes from fast or misdirected passes
•Slips and falls on court surface

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced throughout
•Adequate spacing maintained between practice groups
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic activities
•Controlled defensive pressure in practice situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity game situations for over-aggressive play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting coordination and safety

Emergency Procedures

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