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Lesson 2 - Passing, Footwork & Shooting

Advanced Game Strategies

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Posts

2 per court (6 total for 3 courts)

Position posts 10 feet high at opposite ends of each court

Alternative: Tall cones with hoops attached, basketball hoops

Netball

2 per court (6 total)

Ensure balls are properly inflated for consistent bounce

Alternative: Size 4 footballs for grip practice

Markers Cones

16 cones per court (48 total)

Mark shooting circles, centre circles, and thirds clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers

Bibs

28 bibs

Ensure clear colour differentiation between teams and umpires

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Whistles

3 (one per umpire)

Ensure whistles are clean and working properly

Alternative: Hand signals only for quieter version

Score Sheets

3 (one per court)

Clipboard and pencil for each umpire to track scores

Alternative: Simple tally charts, mental scoring

Key Vocabulary

Footwork

The netball rule that allows only one foot to be moved when in possession of the ball

Shooting circle

The semicircular area where goals can be scored from

Umpire

The official who ensures fair play by applying the rules during a netball game

Pivot

Rotating around one planted foot whilst the other foot can move freely

Centre pass

The pass that starts play at the beginning of each quarter and after each goal

Intercept

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

Consistent successful attacking sequences ending in shooting opportunities

Accurate shooting from various court positions

Smooth transitions between attack and defence

Confident application of netball rules whilst umpiring

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