Lesson 6 - Losing Defenders Tactics
Skills To Tactics
•Year 5
•Netball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for variety
Various colours for different activities and clear boundaries
Alternative: Rubber markers, bean bags
Placed in corners for corner ball game
Alternative: Large PE hoops, targets on wall
Different colours for easy team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Key Vocabulary
A sharp movement away from your current path to lose a defender
A quick movement to get away from a defender and into space
Turning on your landing foot whilst keeping it on the ground
Moving into space to receive a pass from a teammate
When a defender is close enough to make passing or receiving difficult
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
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