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Lesson 5 - Ball-side Defence and Interceptions

Skills To Tactics

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Year 5

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Netball

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55 min

Big Question

How can staying 'ball-side' help me become an unbeatable defender?

Learning Objectives

To be able to defend ball-side and maintain position between attacker and ball
To recognise when to attempt interceptions safely and effectively
To apply netball rules consistently when defending

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate ball-side defensive positioning throughout game situations
Students will make tactical decisions about when to intercept versus when to mark
Students will show improved defensive awareness and communication

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Distributed around court perimeter, check inflation

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for younger students

Posts

Regulation height 3.05m, ensure stability

Alternative: Tall cones with targets, basketball hoops

Team bibs

Check sizes for all students, wash regularly

Alternative: Different coloured bands, pinnies

High 5 Netball Rules Document

1 copy

Laminated copy visible to all students

Alternative: Simplified rules poster, referee cards

Cones

For marking court boundaries and central positions

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Ball-side

Defensive position between your attacker and the ball carrier

Interception

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for the opposition

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball

Shadowing

Following an attacker's movements while maintaining defensive position

Court positioning

Understanding where to stand on court for maximum defensive effectiveness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball rules and court positions
Simple passing and catching techniques
Understanding of attack and defence roles

Current Skills

Ball-side defensive positioning
Reading the game to anticipate passes
Intercepting skills and timing

Next Steps

Zone defence strategies
Advanced interception techniques
Leading a defensive unit

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball-side position for 80% of defensive play

Successfully intercepts 2-3 passes per game

Communicates defensive positioning to teammates

Key Teaching Points

Ball-side positioning means staying between your attacker and the ball carrier at all times
Quick feet and small steps are more effective than large lunges for defensive movement
Read the thrower's body language to anticipate pass direction and timing for interceptions
Successful defence requires balance between marking opponents and attempting interceptions
Communication with defensive teammates strengthens overall team defensive performance
No overhead passes rule helps defenders see passes coming and practice interception skills
Defensive skills transfer across all court positions in netball and other invasion games

Common Misconceptions

Students think defence is just about staying close to one person - emphasise ball-side positioning relative to ball location
Belief that intercepting every pass is good defence - teach when to mark versus when to intercept
Thinking defence is less important than attack - highlight how great defence creates attacking opportunities
Assumption that being aggressive means better defence - emphasise controlled, intelligent defensive play
Misconception that defence is individual responsibility - stress importance of defensive teamwork and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, specific roles and responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Slower skill progression with extra practice time, simplified movement patterns initially, additional support for coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual lesson schedule, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal cues for ball position, establish buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, ensure written instructions available, position teacher where all students can see

physical disability

Seated or modified defensive positions available, adapted equipment such as larger/softer balls, reduced court area if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of movement and positioning, measuring distances for court setup, timing and counting during activities

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movements, reaction times and reflexes, understanding of momentum in interceptions

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of court geography and territorial defence concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, resilience when defensive attempts fail, respect for opponents and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for visibility of all groups, move around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent ball-side positioning, safe interception techniques, and positive team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with ball-side concept, unsafe play developing, or negative team dynamics emerging

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate ball-side positioning clearly using students as examples, show interception timing with slow-motion technique

Verbal Cues

•'Ball-side!' as reminder for positioning
•'Quick feet!' to encourage reactive movement
•'Read the pass!' for interception timing
•'Communicate!' to encourage team talk

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum full netball court or equivalent 30m x 15m space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for quick directional changes and jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure netball posts are stable and at appropriate height
•Verify bibs and bands are correct sizes and in good repair
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during close marking and interception attempts
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Contact injuries during competitive game situations
•Overexertion during high-intensity defensive work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing between groups during skill practices
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•No overhead passes rule reduces collision risk
•Regular monitoring of student exertion levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all court areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during game applications
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe movement
•Ensure students maintain control during interception attempts

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess situation, appropriate first aid response, and clear evacuation routes maintained