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Lesson 4 - Pivoting and Passing

Techniques To Tactics

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Year 5

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

1 per 2 students (15)

Balls distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs

Coloured Cones

Used to mark activity zones and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bibs, chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 different colours)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Whistles

For game control and instruction timing

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Pivot

A movement where a player keeps one foot (grounded foot) stationary while rotating on that foot to change direction

Grounded foot

The foot that must remain in contact with the ground during a pivot - usually the landing foot

Fake pivot

Pretending to pivot in one direction before pivoting the opposite way to deceive opponents

Ball retention

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

Maintains balance throughout pivot movement

Demonstrates clear understanding of grounded foot rule

Uses pivoting strategically to create passing opportunities

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