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Lesson 1 - Passing and Moving with Precision

Fundamentals To Competition

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

How can effective communication and movement make our netball passing unstoppable?

Learning Objectives

To develop sending and receiving skills using bounce and chest passes with increasing accuracy
To understand and apply communication strategies for effective passing
To link passing skills with purposeful movement into space

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in bounce and chest passing techniques
Students will show understanding of how to signal and communicate effectively during passing sequences
Students will link passing skills with movement to create successful attacking sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Properly inflated and distributed around activity area

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs

Coloured Bibs

10 mixed colours

Available at side of area for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Dish Cones

Used to define activity areas and boundaries

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk marks

Softballs

For tagging game - must be soft for safety

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Bounce Pass

A pass where the ball is pushed down to bounce once before reaching the receiver

Chest Pass

A direct pass from chest level straight to the receiver without bouncing

Signalling

Using hands and body language to communicate where you want to receive the ball

Follow Through

The completion of the passing action where arms extend towards the target

Space

An area on the court that is free from other players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from Year 4
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with simple passing activities

Current Skills

Accurate bounce and chest passing technique
Effective communication through signalling
Coordinated passing and movement sequences

Next Steps

Introduction to defending and intercepting
Positional play in modified netball games
Advanced passing techniques under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passes over 5-metre distances

Smooth transition from passing to movement

Clear non-verbal communication signals

Key Teaching Points

W-shaped hand position is crucial for all netball passes - demonstrate frequently
Step forward into passes for power and accuracy - this is fundamental technique
Silent signalling gives tactical advantage over verbal communication
Movement after passing creates space and opportunities for the team
Quality technique should always come before speed in skill development
Communication and teamwork are as important as individual passing skills
Safe ball handling and controlled movement prevent injuries during activities

Common Misconceptions

Many students think faster passing is always better - emphasise accuracy first
Students often hold ball with hands on the sides instead of behind - constantly correct this
Some believe shouting is more effective than signalling - explain stealth advantages
Students may think they don't need to move after passing - stress the importance of space creation
Some may focus only on passing and ignore receiving technique - emphasise both skills equally

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and simple instructions, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Provide extra practice time for skill development, use larger equipment initially, break down complex movements into smaller steps, offer additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear activity structure and routines, use visual timetables for lesson progression, offer quiet zones if needed, maintain consistent partners

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, use peer partners for guidance, ensure good lighting

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication, use peer support

physical disability

Adapt passing distances and heights, provide seated versions of activities, use larger or softer balls, modify movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in challenges, measuring distances for passing, calculating angles for diagonal passes, timing activities and recording data

Science

Understanding forces in ball trajectory, grip and friction for ball control, body mechanics in passing actions, reaction time in catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping movement around areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when activities are challenging, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities for full visibility, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, effective communication, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules are broken, technique needs correction, or groups need reorganisation

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demos, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'W-shape hands behind the ball!'
•'Step into your pass!'
•'Signal with your hands, not your voice!'
•'Move to a new space after passing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or playground area minimum 20m x 30m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and suitable for running and ball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure soft balls for tagging games are appropriately soft
•Verify bibs are clean and secure for tucking in

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face/head during passing
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing requirements between groups
•Emphasis on controlled movements and safe catching
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Use of appropriate soft equipment for tagging
•Clear rules about safe tagging techniques

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity games closely
•Ensure understanding of rules before complex activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and follow school emergency protocols