Lesson 1 - Refining Passing and Receiving
Advanced Game Strategies
•Year 5
•Netball
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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
Check all balls are properly inflated and distributed around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for variation
One colour for attackers, different colour for defenders
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Use to mark court boundaries, endzones, and playing areas
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines
For stopping play and giving clear signals
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
A two-handed pass from chest level, using fingers to direct the ball
Moving deliberately to get away from defenders and into open areas
Keeping control of the ball within your team
When the defending team gains control of the ball from a pass
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
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