Lesson 5 - Netball Positioning and Match Play
Fundamentals To Competition
•Year 5
•Netball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable
Positioned at regulation height if possible, or lower for accessibility
Alternative: Cones with hoops, or imaginary targets marked on wall
Three distinct colours for team identification
Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers
Mark court boundaries, zones, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
For timing activities and possession rules
Alternative: Smartphone timer app
Key Vocabulary
Catching or gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot
Modified netball with 5 players per team: GS, GA, C, GD, GK
The pass that starts play, taken from the centre circle
The area of court where goals can be scored, including the semi-circle
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
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