Lesson 4 - Shoulder Pass and Creating Space
Fundamentals To Competition
•Year 5
•Netball
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How can I use shoulder passing and movement to create attacking opportunities in netball?
Learning Objectives
- To perform accurate shoulder passes with force and control
- To create space effectively using dodging and movement patterns
- To understand and apply basic attacking principles in netball
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate shoulder passing technique with accuracy
- Students will use dodging to create space for receiving passes
- Students will apply attacking principles in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Inflate to correct pressure, distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable
Different colours for team identification and activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or markers
Mark out squares, grids, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Mark positions for feet and activity stations
Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks
Check height and safety of posts before use
Alternative: Basketball hoops or imaginary targets
Key Vocabulary
A netball pass thrown from shoulder height using one hand with fingers spread behind the ball
Quick change of direction to lose an opponent and create space
Moving to an area where you can receive the ball without interference
Basic tactics used to move the ball towards the goal effectively
Using body language, eye contact, and signals to communicate without speaking
Shifting body weight from one foot to another to change direction quickly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills and catching
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
- Introduction to passing techniques
- Basic movement and spatial awareness
Current Skills
- Shoulder passing technique with force and accuracy
- Dodging and weight transfer to create space
- Non-verbal communication and eye contact
- Basic attacking principles and positioning
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques under pressure
- Defensive strategies and interception skills
- Team attacking patterns and set plays
- Match play with specific positional roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shoulder pass technique: hand behind ball, opposite foot forward, full follow-through
- Dodging requires convincing first movement and explosive weight transfer
- Eye contact and communication are essential before every pass
- Creating space involves movement away from defenders into clear areas
- Attacking principles include width, depth, and movement after passing
- Quality technique must be maintained even under pressure
- Defensive positioning requires sight of both ball and opponent
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power comes from arm only rather than whole body coordination
- Believing dodging is about speed rather than deception and timing
- Assuming communication is only verbal rather than including eye contact and signals
- Focusing on individual skills rather than linking skills into sequences
- Thinking creating space means just running away rather than strategic movement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use physical activity as focus tool
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls initially, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activities, establish quiet zones for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, establish consistent court landmarks
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, establish clear visual communication systems
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distances and heights, provide seated passing options, modify movement requirements as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of passes, measuring distances for activities, timing and counting in games, calculating success rates
Science
Forces in throwing, body mechanics in movement, reaction times, physics of ball flight
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping court areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience in learning, leadership opportunities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all activities, move between groups during carousel
Observation Focus
Shoulder pass technique, communication skills, space creation, skill application under pressure
Intervention Points
Poor technique compromising safety, lack of communication affecting learning, inappropriate force in passing
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique points, demonstrate common mistakes for comparison, model excellent communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and throw!'
- •'Eyes up, find the space!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
- •'Quality over quantity!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court or equivalent space (minimum 30m x 15m), clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure netball posts are secure and at correct height
- •Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage
- •Check bibs are clean and securely attached
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts from powerful passes
- •Collisions during dodging and movement activities
- •Falls during dynamic direction changes
- •Overexertion in high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safety zones
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Adequate spacing between groups and activities
- •Regular technique reminders for safe execution
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight lines across all activities
- •Monitor high-risk activities like shooting and carousel
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Intervene immediately for unsafe behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required