Lesson 4 - Pivoting and Passing
Techniques To Tactics
•Year 5
•Netball
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How can mastering the pivot transform your netball passing game?
Learning Objectives
- To demonstrate effective pivoting technique using both feet as grounded and non-grounded foot
- To apply pivoting skills in game situations to create better passing opportunities
- To understand when and why pivoting is used strategically in netball
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute pivot turns with correct foot positioning and balance
- Students will use pivoting to evade defenders and create space for passing
- Students will demonstrate improved ball retention and passing accuracy through strategic pivoting
Equipment & Resources Required
Balls distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs
Used to mark activity zones and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bibs, chalk lines
For team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
For game control and instruction timing
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
A movement where a player keeps one foot (grounded foot) stationary while rotating on that foot to change direction
The foot that must remain in contact with the ground during a pivot - usually the landing foot
Pretending to pivot in one direction before pivoting the opposite way to deceive opponents
Keeping possession of the ball while under pressure from opponents
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of basic netball positions
- Simple passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Current Skills
- Pivot technique with grounded foot control
- Strategic use of pivoting in game situations
- Combining pivoting with accurate passing
Next Steps
- Advanced pivoting under defensive pressure
- Pivot variations and fakes
- Integration with complex netball tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Grounded foot must remain stationary throughout the pivot movement
- Rotate on the ball of the grounded foot, not the whole foot
- Keep the ball close to the body during pivoting movements
- Use pivoting strategically to create space and passing opportunities
- Practice pivoting with both feet as the grounded foot
- Maintain balance and control throughout the movement
- Apply pivoting skills confidently in game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'You can move both feet when pivoting' - Correction: Only the non-grounded foot can move
- Misconception: 'Pivoting is just spinning around' - Correction: It's a controlled movement to create space and opportunities
- Misconception: 'You pivot on your whole foot' - Correction: Pivot on the ball of your grounded foot
- Misconception: 'You can't pivot with both feet' - Correction: Either foot can be the grounded foot depending on how you land
- Misconception: 'Pivoting is only for tall players' - Correction: All players benefit from good pivoting technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, slower progression, additional practice time, simplified instructions, demonstration repetition, peer support
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent language and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for zones
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game control, written instruction cards, ensure eye contact before giving instructions
physical disability
- Seated pivoting variations, adapted ball sizes, modified distances, focus on upper body rotation, wheelchair accessible zones
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Understanding degrees of rotation (180°, 360°), spatial awareness and angles, counting passes and successful attempts
Science
Forces and motion in pivoting movements, balance and centre of gravity, friction between foot and surface
Geography
Directional language (clockwise, anticlockwise), compass points for movement directions, spatial relationships and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning difficult skills, fair play and respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, move between groups during practice, court edge during games for full visibility
Observation Focus
Grounded foot control, balance during pivots, decision making in games, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with grounded foot concept, when technique deteriorating under pressure, when safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate pivots slowly first, emphasise grounded foot clearly, show both left and right foot grounding, use students as positive examples when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Grounded foot stays glued!'
- •'Pivot on the ball of your foot!'
- •'Turn and look for your options!'
- •'Control the movement!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m netball court or equivalent marked area
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Bibs clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Ankle injuries from pivoting movements
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Progressive skill building from slow to game pace
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students
- •Proper warm-up to prepare joints for pivoting
- •Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor pivot technique to prevent ankle strain
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique quality
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if required