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Lesson 4 - Shoulder Pass and Creating Space

Fundamentals To Competition

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Year 5

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Netball

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1h 3min

Big Question

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

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Inflate to correct pressure, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable

Coloured Bibs

Different colours for team identification and activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or markers

Cones

Mark out squares, grids, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Sun Markers

Mark positions for feet and activity stations

Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks

Posts

2-4 if available

Check height and safety of posts before use

Alternative: Basketball hoops or imaginary targets

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder pass

A netball pass thrown from shoulder height using one hand with fingers spread behind the ball

Dodging

Quick change of direction to lose an opponent and create space

Creating space

Moving to an area where you can receive the ball without interference

Attacking principles

Basic tactics used to move the ball towards the goal effectively

Non-verbal communication

Using body language, eye contact, and signals to communicate without speaking

Weight transfer

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

Consistent shoulder pass accuracy over 10m distance

Successful dodging in 7/10 attempts against defender

Demonstrates understanding of space creation concepts

Links multiple skills in attacking sequences

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