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Lesson 1 - Bounce Pass Skills

Techniques To Tactics

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Year 5

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can mastering the bounce pass transform your attacking strategies in netball?

Learning Objectives

To practise and refine the techniques for an effective bounce pass
To use bounce passes strategically in game situations
To understand and apply attacking and defending team roles

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate bounce pass technique in practice and game scenarios
Students will make tactical decisions about when to use bounce passes during gameplay
Students will show understanding of team roles through effective attacking and defending play

Equipment & Resources Required

Posts

2 (or alternative target areas)

Position at each end of playing area to create goal zones

Alternative: Cones to mark target zones, basketball hoops

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for variety

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per student for warm-up)

Store in equipment bag for easy distribution

Alternative: Bean bags, small foam balls

Large Soft Balls

4 (2 per group for Ball Tag)

Check for damage and adequate softness for safe tagging

Alternative: Foam dodgeballs, playground balls

Cones

12-16

Mark court boundaries, D areas, and central zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines on outdoor courts

Bibs

15 (two colours)

Separate into two clear colour groups for team identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured pinnards

Key Vocabulary

Bounce Pass

A netball pass where the ball is thrown to the ground to bounce up to a teammate

Attacking Team

The team in possession of the ball attempting to score goals

Defending Team

The team without the ball working to regain possession and prevent scoring

Goal Circle (D)

The semi-circular area around each goal where only certain positions can score

Footwork

The rule governing foot movement when holding the ball in netball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of chest pass technique
Knowledge of basic netball court positions

Current Skills

Two-handed bounce pass technique
One-handed bounce pass for advanced students
Tactical use of bounce passes in games

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations in team play
Reading defensive patterns to choose appropriate passes
Leadership roles in team strategy

Milestone Indicators

Ball bounces consistently 2/3 of the way to receiver

Passes reach target without interception

Makes appropriate pass selection under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Ball should bounce 2/3 of the way between passer and receiver
Spread fingers behind ball for control and accuracy
Use bounce pass to get around defenders, especially in goal circle
Push ball down with purpose - don't just drop it
Keep bounce low to avoid easy interception
One-handed bounce pass offers more protection from defenders
No moving with the ball - netball footwork rules apply

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bounce passes are easier than chest passes - they require more skill and judgement
Believing you can bounce anywhere - the 2/3 distance rule is crucial for success
Assuming all passes should be bounce passes - they're tactical choices for specific situations
Forgetting netball is non-contact - defending must be done without physical contact

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced court size, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent routines and rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game instructions, written rule cards

physical disability

Seated netball version, larger balls for easier handling, modified court size

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Judging distances for 2/3 bounce point, angles of ball trajectory, counting successful passes

Science

Forces and motion in ball bouncing, friction effects on court surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Court directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns during games

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills are challenging, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position at corner during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for proper bounce pass technique, safe defending, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if defensive contact occurs, technique becomes unsafe, or students struggle with rules

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique, show common mistakes to avoid, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Two-thirds distance for bounce!'
•'Protect the ball to the side!'
•'No contact defending!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half netball court minimum per 8 students, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, check for any wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure soft balls for tagging are adequately soft
•Verify goal posts are secure and stable
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during games
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Contact during defending

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Emphasis on non-contact netball rules
•Progressive skill building before game application
•Adequate spacing between activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around to monitor different groups
•Pay special attention during game activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed