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Lesson 1 - Refining Passing and Receiving

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 and intelligent movement to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in netball?

Learning Objectives

To refine chest passing technique with increased accuracy and consistency
To develop effective movement patterns to create and receive passes in space
To apply tactical understanding of maintaining possession through intelligent passing decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved chest passing accuracy under pressure
Students will show strategic movement to create space and receiving opportunities
Students will maintain possession for sustained periods through effective teamwork

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Check all balls are properly inflated and distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for variation

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of 15 (different colours)

One colour for attackers, different colour for defenders

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark court boundaries, endzones, and playing areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Whistles

1 for teacher

For stopping play and giving clear signals

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A two-handed pass from chest level, using fingers to direct the ball

Creating Space

Moving deliberately to get away from defenders and into open areas

Possession

Keeping control of the ball within your team

Interception

When the defending team gains control of the ball from a pass

Tactical Decision

Choosing the best option based on what you see happening in the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic chest passing technique from Year 4
Understanding of attack vs defence concepts
Simple movement patterns to create space

Current Skills

Refined chest passing accuracy and power
Strategic movement to evade defenders
Decision-making under pressure
Team coordination for sustained possession

Next Steps

Introduction of shoulder and bounce passes
Complex attacking patterns and formations
Positional play and netball rules

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 5+ consecutive passes

Adapts passing technique based on defensive pressure

Creates space through purposeful movement

Demonstrates understanding of when to pass vs when to hold

Key Teaching Points

Chest passing technique: step, push, follow through with fingertips
Creating space through purposeful movement away from defenders
Decision-making under pressure - when to pass, when to hold
Importance of possession for team success in netball
Communication and support between teammates
Tactical awareness of passing angles and timing
Transitioning quickly between attack and defence roles

Common Misconceptions

Students think only one person can score in endzone games - clarify any team member can enter endzone
Belief that faster passing is always better - emphasise accuracy over speed
Misconception that holding the ball longer gives more options - teach quick decision-making benefits
Thinking that only forwards can attack - in netball all players can contribute to attacking play
Assumption that bigger/stronger students are automatically better - highlight tactical intelligence
Believing that interceptions are 'bad luck' - teach about predictable passing patterns and defensive anticipation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, provide additional demonstration time, break skills into smaller components, allow extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule of lesson phases, create quiet zone for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and high-contrast bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure student can see teacher clearly, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify to seated passing games, use lighter balls, reduce court size, allow additional time for movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during gameplay, listening to instructions, expressing tactical ideas clearly

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, calculating success rates, measuring distances between players and court dimensions

Science

Understanding forces in passing (push and pull), trajectory and angles of ball flight, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directional movement, mapping player positions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with pressure and disappointment, leadership skills and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during small-sided games, position at court edge during full games for optimal viewing

Observation Focus

Watch for passing accuracy under pressure, tactical decision-making, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, when students show frustration, or when major technical errors persist

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, intervene to show tactical concepts during natural breaks in play

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Eyes up, see your options!'
•'Quick decision!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, preferably netball court or playground area

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, check for wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and have no tears that could catch

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during gameplay
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion in high-intensity phases

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear court boundaries and safe zones
•Teach safe interception techniques - no contact with other players
•Gradual progression from low to high intensity activities
•Clear rules about ball height and passing force

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during small-sided games
•Monitor high-activity phases like End-to-End Netball closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting decision-making and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact information readily available