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Big Question

How can perfect footwork give your team the tactical advantage in netball?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate shooting technique with correct body positioning
  • To master landing and pivoting skills following netball footwork rules
  • To demonstrate tactical awareness in game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will consistently apply correct footwork rules when receiving and passing
  • Students will shoot with improved accuracy using proper technique
  • Students will make tactical decisions about when and where to pass effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
15 (1 per 2 students)

Pre-inflate and check bounce quality before lesson

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, large playground balls

Posts
2-4 posts

Position posts around activity area, check height adjustment

Alternative: Basketball hoops, target circles on wall

Mats
30 markers

Different colours for different activities if possible

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks, tape markers

Bibs
15 (for team identification)

Two contrasting colours for team games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands

Tablets
1 device

Fully charged for filming assessment evidence

Alternative: Mobile phone, video camera

Cones
20 cones

For area boundaries and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Landing foot

The foot that touches the ground first when catching the ball

Pivot

Turning on the landing foot whilst keeping it in contact with the ground

Stepping

Moving or lifting the landing foot before releasing the ball - this is a foul

Free pass

The penalty awarded when a player commits a footwork violation

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to move, pass or position yourself strategically

Follow through

Continuing the arm movement after releasing the ball when shooting

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic netball passing techniques
  • Understanding of chest pass and shoulder pass
  • Basic knowledge of netball positions

Current Skills

  • Netball footwork rules - landing foot, pivoting, stepping
  • Shooting technique with correct body alignment
  • Tactical awareness in game situations

Next Steps

  • Advanced netball tactics and formations
  • Defending and intercepting skills
  • Transition from attack to defence

Milestone Indicators

1
Student can explain footwork rules to a peer
2
Student demonstrates correct shooting stance consistently
3
Student makes tactical decisions without prompting

Key Teaching Points

  • Landing foot must remain stationary until ball is released - this is the fundamental rule
  • Pivoting allows 360-degree movement while maintaining ball control
  • Eye contact and communication are essential for successful passing
  • Shooting technique requires balanced stance, follow-through, and confidence
  • Tactical awareness develops through understanding space, timing, and opponent positioning
  • Practice makes permanent - ensure correct technique before increasing speed or pressure
  • Peer assessment and self-reflection accelerate learning and skill retention

Common Misconceptions

  • Students think they can move their landing foot if they're 'quick enough'
  • Belief that pivoting means just turning slightly rather than full rotation
  • Assumption that shooting is just about arm strength rather than whole-body technique
  • Thinking tactical awareness is only about where to pass, not about positioning and timing
  • Misconception that footwork rules don't apply when under pressure in games
  • Belief that practice activities don't need the same rules as real games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
  • Larger/softer balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in movement patterns, additional practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
  • Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and markers, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards available
physical disability
  • Seated versions of activities, modified equipment as needed, adjusted distances and boundaries

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in team activities, following complex instructions, peer assessment feedback

Maths

Counting passes in consecutive passing game, measuring shooting accuracy percentages, angles of movement and passing

Science

Forces in shooting technique, balance and centre of gravity in pivoting, physics of ball trajectory

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and angles on court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, leadership during activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate around perimeter for full court visibility, move between groups during station work

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork technique, tactical decision making, and safe participation

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique corrections, or behavioural management

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, repeat key points, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues
  • 'Landing foot stays down!'
  • 'Find space after passing!'
  • 'Eyes up before shooting!'
  • 'Disguise your pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or equivalent outdoor/indoor space minimum 30m x 15m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Netballs properly inflated and undamaged
  • Posts/hoops securely positioned and appropriate height
  • Floor markers firmly placed to prevent slipping
  • Filming device secure and not obstructing play areas

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during running activities
  • Falls during pivoting or landing
  • Ball strikes to face or body
  • Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established for all activities
  • Adequate spacing between groups and stations
  • Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
  • Continuous supervision and immediate feedback

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all groups
  • Circulate between activities to monitor technique and safety
  • Pay particular attention during pivoting and shooting practice
  • Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical help, complete incident documentation