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Lesson 4 - Changing Direction Skills

Skills To Tactics

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

How can clever movement help us beat defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to change direction effectively to lose a defender
To understand how to move into space to support teammates
To improve ball reception skills under defensive pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate various change of direction techniques
Students will apply movement skills in competitive netball situations
Students will show improved decision-making when receiving passes

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Various colours for different zones and boundaries

Alternative: Rubber markers, bean bags

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Team bibs

15 (2 colours)

Split into attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Coloured shirts, pinnies

Base Stations

As needed

For marking specific areas or goals

Alternative: Large cones, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Change of direction

Quickly altering your movement path to confuse defenders

Dodging

Moving away from a defender to get free for a pass

Creating space

Moving to an area with fewer defenders

Defender

Player trying to prevent the attacking team from scoring

Attacker

Player trying to receive the ball and score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques
Understanding of netball court positions
Simple movement patterns

Current Skills

Change of direction techniques
Receiving under pressure
Creating and using space

Next Steps

Advanced dodging patterns
Combination plays with teammates
Match-specific positioning

Milestone Indicators

Student can consistently lose a defender using change of direction

Student times their movements to receive passes effectively

Student can apply skills in competitive game situations

Key Teaching Points

Change of direction must be sharp and decisive to be effective against defenders
Always face the ball and passer when moving to receive
Hip position indicates intended direction of movement
Timing of pass is crucial - throw after the direction change, not before
Persistence is key - keep trying different movements if first attempt doesn't work
Use deception in initial movement to sell the fake direction
Ball carriers must read the situation and only pass when receiver is truly free

Common Misconceptions

Thinking gradual direction changes are as effective as sharp cuts - emphasise explosive changes
Believing you should throw where the runner is rather than where they're going - stress leading the pass
Assuming one attempt to get free is enough - teach persistence and multiple efforts
Thinking defenders should be aggressive from the start - build up pressure gradually
Believing faster is always better - emphasise control and technique over pure speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear, simple instructions

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step movement breakdowns, use larger equipment initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear, consistent routines, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key commands

physical disability

Modify to seated positions where possible, use larger/lighter balls, reduce distance requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances with heel-to-toe steps, counting successful catches and passes, calculating angles of movement

Science

Understanding forces in direction changes, friction for stopping and starting, body systems responding to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all groups, positioning at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of direction changes, decision-making under pressure, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when defensive pressure becomes too intense, when students are not applying skills, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show key techniques clearly, demonstrate both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp cut!'
•'Face the ball!'
•'Find space!'
•'Be patient with your pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space (school hall) or outdoor hard court minimum 20m x 15m per group

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bands should not be too tight or restrictive

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes from inaccurate passes
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive build-up of movement intensity
•Emphasis on controlled movements before speed
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Move around to provide close supervision of higher-risk activities
•Monitor competitive intensity during games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed