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Lesson 5 - Knocking the Ball Away

Defence To Team Play

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

10-15

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, playground balls

Posts

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students

Alternative: Basketball hoops, target areas marked with cones

Dish Cones

20-25

For marking court boundaries, goal areas, and activity zones

Alternative: Spots, chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

10 (5 of each colour)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Team bibs

Visual reminders of where each position can move

Alternative: Written position reminders

Whistles

For stopping play and giving instructions

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Knocking the ball away

A defensive technique used to deflect the ball away from an opponent when catching is not possible

Defensive positioning

Standing in the correct position to intercept or disrupt opponent passes

Decision-making

Quickly choosing the best action based on the game situation

Disruption

Breaking up the opponent's attacking play

High Five Netball

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

Student stays on toes and moves towards difficult balls

Quick decision-making between catch and knock away

Successful disruption of opponent attacks

Effective use in game situations

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