Lesson 2 - Passing, Footwork & Shooting
Advanced Game Strategies
•Year 5
•Netball
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How can we use accurate passing, movement and shooting to create scoring opportunities whilst officiating games fairly?
Learning Objectives
- Apply refined understanding of passing and moving to create shooting opportunities in game situations
- Develop accurate and consistent shooting technique at real netball posts
- Understand and demonstrate the role of an umpire in netball games
Key Outcomes
- Students will combine passing, moving and shooting skills fluidly in competitive game situations
- Students will consistently make tactical decisions about when and where to shoot
- Students will officiate games fairly and understand the importance of rules
Equipment & Resources Required
Position posts 10 feet high at opposite ends of each court
Alternative: Tall cones with hoops attached, basketball hoops
Ensure balls are properly inflated for consistent bounce
Alternative: Size 4 footballs for grip practice
Mark shooting circles, centre circles, and thirds clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers
Ensure clear colour differentiation between teams and umpires
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Ensure whistles are clean and working properly
Alternative: Hand signals only for quieter version
Clipboard and pencil for each umpire to track scores
Alternative: Simple tally charts, mental scoring
Key Vocabulary
The netball rule that allows only one foot to be moved when in possession of the ball
The semicircular area where goals can be scored from
The official who ensures fair play by applying the rules during a netball game
Rotating around one planted foot whilst the other foot can move freely
The pass that starts play at the beginning of each quarter and after each goal
Gaining possession of the ball whilst it is being passed by the opposing team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic passing techniques using chest, bounce and shoulder passes
- Understanding of basic netball court positions and rules
- Simple passing and moving combinations
- Basic shooting technique introduced
Current Skills
- Applying passing and moving in competitive game situations
- Accurate shooting at regulation netball posts
- Understanding of netball footwork rules and their application
- Basic officiating and umpiring skills
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play including set plays and strategies
- Specialised position play with detailed role understanding
- Advanced umpiring including signals and game management
- Tournament play with multiple teams
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise that umpiring is a positive leadership role that helps everyone enjoy netball
- Encourage attacking play that creates shooting opportunities rather than just defensive play
- Support students to see mistakes as learning opportunities, especially when umpiring
- Highlight the importance of accurate footwork for both skill development and rule compliance
- Celebrate tactical thinking and decision-making as much as physical skill execution
- Foster understanding that fair play and sportsmanship are as important as winning
- Promote the idea that everyone can contribute whether as player, umpire or teammate
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking umpires are 'against' the players rather than helping create fair games
- Believing that only the most skilled players should be umpires
- Assuming that competitive games mean rules become less important
- Misunderstanding that footwork violations help rather than hinder game flow
- Thinking that shooting is the only important skill in netball attack
- Believing that arguing with umpire decisions improves performance
- Assuming that physical skill is more important than tactical understanding
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent role changes to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, simplified court layout, additional practice time for skills, patient instruction with breaking down skills
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for role changes, visual schedule showing game progression, quiet reflection space if needed, consistent rules application
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system with sighted partner for umpiring
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals alongside whistle, clear hand signals for umpiring, ensure face-to-face communication during instructions
physical disability
- Modify court size or player numbers, seated play options, adapted equipment like larger/softer balls, flexible positioning rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills during umpiring, explaining rules and tactics, providing feedback to teammates
Maths
Calculating scores, measuring court distances, understanding angles for shooting, time management during games
Science
Understanding forces and angles in shooting, balance and momentum in movement, physiology during exercise
PSHE
Leadership through umpiring, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for authority
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between three courts to provide equal support, position to see multiple courts simultaneously when possible
Observation Focus
Monitor umpiring confidence, tactical understanding, skill application under pressure, and sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in to support struggling umpires, clarify rule applications, manage any disputes, ensure safety protocols
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Confident umpiring signals, effective coaching communication, positive responses to mistakes, tactical awareness
Verbal Cues
- •'Create space before you receive!'
- •'Plant that pivot foot!'
- •'Umpires, trust your decisions!'
- •'Look for the shooting opportunity!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Three netball courts minimum 30m x 15m each, clear of obstacles with 2m safe zone around each court
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water, debris or trip hazards, posts securely anchored
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Netball posts checked for stability and appropriate height
- •Netballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage
- •Whistles clean and in working order
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during fast-paced games
- •Contact with netball posts during play
- •Falls due to quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between courts to prevent cross-court interference
- •Umpires trained to stop play for safety concerns
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended play
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all three courts
- •Monitor high-activity areas around goal posts
- •Support umpires in maintaining safe play
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, ensure other students remain calm and supervised