Lesson 5 - Knocking the Ball Away
Defence To Team Play
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can we disrupt opponents' attacks when we cannot catch the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To practise knocking the ball away from opponents when catching is not possible
- To develop decision-making skills for when to catch versus when to knock the ball away
- To apply defensive techniques effectively in competitive netball situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to knock the ball away from opponents using correct technique
- Students will make quick decisions about whether to catch or knock the ball away
- Students will implement defensive strategies in High Five Netball games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls
Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students
Alternative: Basketball hoops, target areas marked with cones
For marking court boundaries, goal areas, and activity zones
Alternative: Spots, chalk lines
For team identification during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
Visual reminders of where each position can move
Alternative: Written position reminders
For stopping play and giving instructions
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique used to deflect the ball away from an opponent when catching is not possible
Standing in the correct position to intercept or disrupt opponent passes
Quickly choosing the best action based on the game situation
Breaking up the opponent's attacking play
Modified netball with five players per team and simplified rules
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and throwing techniques
- Understanding of netball court positions
- Knowledge of High Five Netball rules
- Experience with marking and defending
Current Skills
- Knocking the ball away with correct technique
- Decision-making between catching and knocking away
- Positioning for defensive play
- Reading game situations quickly
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies
- Combination defensive moves
- Team defensive systems
- Transition from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Stay on toes at all times - ready to move quickly
- Recognise early when catching isn't possible
- Move towards the ball even if out of reach
- Use fingertips for controlled knocking away
- Quick decision-making is more important than perfect technique
- Disrupting opponent attacks helps team even without gaining possession
- Combine knocking away with other defensive skills learned previously
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking knocking away is only for desperate situations - it's a tactical choice
- Believing you must catch every ball that comes near you
- Assuming knocking away means giving up - it's active defending
- Using palm instead of fingertips for control
- Waiting for the ball to come rather than moving towards it
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger/slower balls initially, focus on spatial awareness development
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule for lesson sections, quiet zones if overwhelmed, consistent rules and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, use tactile markers for boundaries, partner support system
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and signals, written instruction cards, ensure visual contact before giving instructions, peer support for communication
physical disability
- Modify reaching distances, provide seated alternatives, adapt equipment sizes, focus on decision-making aspects of skill
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of ball deflection, measuring distances for optimal positioning, calculating success rates of different techniques
Science
Forces and motion in ball deflection, reaction times and decision-making, body mechanics in reaching movements
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding court geography and zones, directional language
PSHE
Teamwork and supporting others, resilience when learning difficult skills, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter during games, position centrally during skill demonstrations, near partners during practice work
Observation Focus
Watch for quick decision-making, correct technique, safe play, and skill application in game situations
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe play develops, provide support for struggling students, offer technique corrections during partner work
Demonstration Notes
Show clear decision point between catching and knocking away, emphasise fingertip control, demonstrate reaching movement, model positive attitude towards defensive play
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick decision - can you catch it cleanly?'
- •'Stay on your toes and move towards the ball!'
- •'Use your fingertips for control!'
- •'Even if you can't catch it, make contact to help your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court ideal, minimum 20m x 30m clear space
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify netball posts are secure and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during games
- •Falls when stretching for balls
- •Contact injuries during competitive play
- •Overexertion in high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and rules established
- •Adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building before game application
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during games
- •Monitor closely during partner work
- •Watch for fatigue signs in extended activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed