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Lesson 6 - Tactical Application and Team Play

Fundamentals To Competition

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to apply tactics effectively and demonstrate the school games values in competitive netball?

Learning Objectives

Apply team tactics effectively in 5v5 netball matches
Demonstrate understanding of netball rules and restart procedures after infringements
Display school games values consistently throughout competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will participate in a netball tournament demonstrating tactical awareness
Students will officiate games fairly and accurately using netball rules
Students will evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

6-8

Distributed around court areas for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands if needed

Posts

2 sets (4 posts total)

Positioned at regulation court distances

Alternative: Basketball hoops at appropriate height

Bibs

35 (7 sets of 5 different colours)

Organised by team colours for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams

Cones

For court boundaries and assessment activities

Alternative: Markers or spots

Whistles

For student umpires during tournament

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable

Numbered Papers

For scorekeepers and assessment recording

Alternative: Paper and pencils

Timer

For timing game periods and 4-second rule

Alternative: Smartphone timers

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to apply different strategies based on game situations

Infringement

Breaking a rule in netball that results in a penalty or restart

Centre pass

The way play is started or restarted after a goal, taken from the centre circle

Obstruction

Illegal defending where a player gets too close or impedes an opponent

Round robin

A tournament format where every team plays every other team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball positions and their court areas
Fundamental passing, catching and shooting techniques
Understanding of footwork and 4-second rule

Current Skills

Tactical application in competitive situations
Advanced game understanding and rule application
Leadership and officiating skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Transition to club-level netball participation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of agreed team tactics

Accurate identification of infringements

Positive leadership and encouragement of teammates

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical awareness over individual skill performance
Connect specific actions to school games values throughout lesson
Use questioning to develop students' understanding of rule applications
Encourage peer support and positive team communication
Model fair officiating and respect for decisions
Celebrate effort, improvement, and value demonstration equally with achievement
Provide pathways for continued netball participation beyond school

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tactics are only for advanced players - clarify that simple tactics help all levels
Believing winning is more important than values - emphasise process over outcome
Assuming officiating is only for adults - show students can be fair and accurate umpires
Thinking positions restrict movement - explain tactical flexibility within position roles
Believing contact is always a foul - distinguish between incidental and deliberate contact

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter games, provide specific roles and responsibilities, offer regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger balls and modified rules, provide extra practice time, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure and timings, create quiet space for breaks, use visual schedules for rotations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bibs and balls, provide verbal descriptions of tactical situations, assign sighted buddy for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for officiating, provide written tactical instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify court size and rules as needed, provide wheelchair-accessible equipment, adapt positions to suit abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team discussions, technical vocabulary development, persuasive argument in tactical planning

Maths

Scoring and statistics tracking, time management during games, spatial geometry of court positions

Science

Energy systems during sustained activity, forces in ball flight and court movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location to monitor multiple games, move between courts regularly

Observation Focus

Tactical awareness, rule application, school values demonstration, officiating accuracy

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule clarifications, tactical guidance, conflict resolution

Demonstration Notes

Model positive sportsmanship, clear officiating signals, tactical questioning techniques

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your team tactics!'
•'Show me those school values!'
•'Umpires, make clear decisions!'
•'Think tactically about your next move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or equivalent space (30m x 15m minimum), additional areas for alternative activities

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure posts are stable and at correct height
•Verify bibs/bands are secure and visible
•Check cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during competitive play
•Falls from quick direction changes
•Ball impact injuries
•Overexertion during tournament

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing
•Emphasis on controlled, safe contact
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Progressive intensity building throughout tournament

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor emotional responses during competition
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as appropriate, seek medical support if needed