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Lesson 6 - Losing Defenders Tactics

Skills To Tactics

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

How can clever movement and changes of direction help you create space and receive passes under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To execute effective changes of direction to lose defenders and receive passes
To apply netball rules consistently whilst maintaining possession under pressure
To demonstrate tactical awareness by creating and using space effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully change direction to lose defenders and receive passes
Students will apply netball rules during game situations with increasing consistency
Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness and tactical decision-making

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for variety

Cones

Various colours for different activities and clear boundaries

Alternative: Rubber markers, bean bags

Posts

Placed in corners for corner ball game

Alternative: Large PE hoops, targets on wall

Team bibs

Different colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Change of direction

A sharp movement away from your current path to lose a defender

Dodge

A quick movement to get away from a defender and into space

Pivot

Turning on your landing foot whilst keeping it on the ground

Lead

Moving into space to receive a pass from a teammate

Pressure

When a defender is close enough to make passing or receiving difficult

Space

An area on court that is free from defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Understanding of pivoting on landing foot
Knowledge of basic netball positions and court areas
Experience with simple dodging movements

Current Skills

Changing direction effectively to lose defenders
Creating and using space tactically
Receiving passes under defensive pressure
Applying netball rules consistently in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced dodging techniques (double dodge, roll-off)
Reading the game and anticipating defensive movements
Leading teammates and calling for passes
Shooting under pressure from various positions

Milestone Indicators

Student can change direction and receive pass within 3 seconds

Defender is beaten by at least 2 metres when dodging

Successful completion of 4 consecutive passes in pressure game

Consistent application of netball rules without reminders

Key Teaching Points

Turn hips to face the direction you want to run in before moving
Make direction changes sharp and definite to effectively lose defenders
Create space for teammates by moving to different areas of the court
Communicate clearly with arm signals when wanting to receive passes
Apply netball rules consistently throughout all game situations
Support teammates through positive encouragement and helpful positioning
Read the game situation before deciding where to move and when

Common Misconceptions

That running faster is more important than changing direction effectively
That you can receive a pass without making a direction change first
That all players should move to the same space to help their team
That direction changes only work by moving sideways
That defenders should make physical contact to be effective
That winning is more important than applying the lesson skills correctly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activities shorter with regular changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment and balls, reduce complexity of movement patterns, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structures, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, implement buddy system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Modify direction changes to seated or supported versions, use appropriate ball sizes, adapt distances and areas as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes accurately, measuring distances between players, calculating angles for optimal direction changes, timing activities in seconds and minutes

Science

Understanding forces and friction during direction changes, body systems during exercise, momentum and acceleration in movement patterns

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of movement patterns, understanding directions and compass points, using positional language effectively

PSHE

Building resilience when learning new skills, developing leadership qualities, managing emotions during competitive situations, working as part of a team

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for effective direction changes, spatial awareness, rule application, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with direction change timing, when games become too competitive, or when safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key teaching points regularly

Verbal Cues

•'Turn your hips first!'
•'Sharp and definite movements!'
•'Read the space!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area for full lesson activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify netball posts are stable and secure
•Check hoops are clean and undamaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes and game play
•Ankle injuries from sharp direction changes
•Ball strikes during passing activities
•Falls during quick movements or dodging

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Adequate rest periods between intensive activities
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor high-activity game areas for aggressive play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting movement control
•Ensure quick access to first aid kit

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required