Lesson 6 - Tactical Application and Team Play
Fundamentals To Competition
•Year 5
•Netball
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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
Distributed around court areas for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands if needed
Positioned at regulation court distances
Alternative: Basketball hoops at appropriate height
Organised by team colours for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams
For court boundaries and assessment activities
Alternative: Markers or spots
For student umpires during tournament
Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable
For scorekeepers and assessment recording
Alternative: Paper and pencils
For timing game periods and 4-second rule
Alternative: Smartphone timers
Key Vocabulary
Understanding when and how to apply different strategies based on game situations
Breaking a rule in netball that results in a penalty or restart
The way play is started or restarted after a goal, taken from the centre circle
Illegal defending where a player gets too close or impedes an opponent
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
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