Lesson 5 - Exploring Different Passing Styles
Advanced Game Strategies
•Year 5
•Netball
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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
Spread around court perimeter, easily accessible during activities
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable
Position at opposite ends and sides of playing area
Alternative: Hoops on stands, marked wall targets, or cones as goals
Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Used to mark court boundaries and endzones clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines on hard surfaces, rope boundaries
For timing possession and activity transitions
Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height, typically used when the receiver is in open space
A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver, used to get under defensive coverage
Understanding when and why to use specific skills based on the game situation
Moving to find an area free from defensive pressure to receive or make passes
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
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