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Lesson 5 - Netball Positioning and Match Play

Fundamentals To Competition

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

How can I use my knowledge of netball positions to play effectively in a match?

Learning Objectives

I can position myself effectively to take rebounds from missed shots
I can participate purposefully in a netball match using appropriate positional play
I can demonstrate understanding of High 5 netball positions and court areas

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective positioning for rebounding during shooting practice
Students will show purposeful participation in match situations with clear understanding of their role
Students will explain the different positions in High 5 netball and their court restrictions

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

10-12

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable

Posts

2-4 posts

Positioned at regulation height if possible, or lower for accessibility

Alternative: Cones with hoops, or imaginary targets marked on wall

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 sets of 5)

Three distinct colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers

Cones

Mark court boundaries, zones, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Stopwatch

For timing activities and possession rules

Alternative: Smartphone timer app

Key Vocabulary

Rebound

Catching or gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot

High 5 Netball

Modified netball with 5 players per team: GS, GA, C, GD, GK

Centre Pass

The pass that starts play, taken from the centre circle

Goal Third

The area of court where goals can be scored, including the semi-circle

Obstruction

Illegal defending too close to an opponent (less than 1 metre)

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Understanding of basic netball rules and court layout
Experience of working in teams and small group activities

Current Skills

Positioning for rebounds and defensive play
Understanding positional responsibilities in High 5 netball
Tactical awareness in match situations

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques under pressure
Complex tactical formations and strategies
Transition to full 7-a-side netball rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions body between opponent and post for rebounds

Demonstrates clear understanding of positional restrictions

Shows leadership and communication during team play

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise positioning over ball-chasing throughout all activities
Reinforce the 4-second rule consistently to develop quick decision making
Highlight teamwork and communication as essential for successful netball
Use positive examples from students to demonstrate good practice to others
Ensure all students understand their positional responsibilities before game play
Connect rebounding skills to match situations and tactical awareness
Celebrate effort and improvement alongside technical skill development

Common Misconceptions

All players should follow the ball - teach positional discipline and court coverage
Faster always means better - emphasise controlled, accurate play over rushing
Only Goal Shooters need to think about rebounding - teach that all positions can help secure possession
Rules don't matter in practice games - reinforce that rules help develop proper technique
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - consistently reward collaborative play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls, reduce court size, provide extra practice time for skill development, offer simplified rules

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet zone for breaks, use visual supports for rules and positions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for starts and stops, provide written rule cards, use hand signals for common instructions

physical disability

Modify court size and rules, allow seated play where appropriate, use lighter balls or different equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team play, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development

Maths

Timing activities, counting successful catches, calculating team scores, understanding court dimensions and angles

Science

Understanding forces in ball trajectory, reaction time and reflexes, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding direction and movement around court areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, building confidence and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter to observe all areas, position near goal ends during shooting practice

Observation Focus

Watch for positioning understanding, rule application, and teamwork development

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are consistently broken, if safety concerns arise, or when students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples during play, pause to highlight good positioning, demonstrate rules clearly with exaggerated movements

Verbal Cues

•'Find your space!'
•'4 seconds - quick pass!'
•'Get ready for the rebound!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or marked area minimum 30m x 15m with adequate runoff space

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from debris, water, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netball posts securely anchored and stable
•Balls inflated to correct pressure for safe catching
•Bibs and equipment free from damage or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic play
•Falls when jumping for rebounds
•Ball contact injuries
•Overexertion in high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and communicated
•Progressive skill building before full game play
•Emphasis on controlled contact and safe play
•Regular hydration breaks in warm conditions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor high-activity zones like goal circles
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required