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Lesson 2 - Marking and Defending

Defence To Team Play

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Year 6

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective marking techniques help us win possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Develop the skill of marking the ball at the correct 1-metre distance
Understand and apply the 1-metre rule in game situations
Use marking skills strategically to defend and win possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct marking technique with appropriate distance
Students will apply the 1-metre rule consistently in game contexts
Students will use marking skills to effectively defend in team situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 between 2)

Stored in equipment bag, distributed at start of lesson

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable

Dish Cones

Used to mark 1-metre distances and court boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags or chalk marks for distance marking

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two different colours for team games

Alternative: Different coloured tops or arm bands

Measuring Tapes

For demonstrating correct 1-metre distance

Alternative: Metre rulers or pre-measured rope

Key Vocabulary

Marking

Positioning yourself close to an opponent to defend against their actions

1-metre rule

The rule that defenders must keep their feet at least 1 metre from the attacker's feet

Obstruction

A foul when a defender gets too close or impedes an attacker's movement

Free pass

The penalty awarded for minor infringements like obstruction

Defender

The player trying to prevent the attacking team from scoring

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passes (chest and shoulder pass)
Understanding of attack and defence roles
Simple movement and positioning skills

Current Skills

Marking the ball at 1-metre distance
Maintaining balance while defending
Applying the 1-metre rule in games

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies and systems
Intercepting passes and reading the game
Complex team defensive formations

Milestone Indicators

Consistently maintains correct distance without fouls

Can mark effectively while moving around the court

Uses marking to create turnover opportunities

Key Teaching Points

Maintain exactly 1-metre distance between feet and opponent's feet at all times
Lean forward to pressure the ball while keeping feet in correct position
Use non-marking hand for balance and stability when leaning
Communicate clearly with teammates about who marks ball vs players
Apply marking pressure consistently but fairly without overaggressive contact
Transition quickly to marking position when team loses possession
Focus on following the ball movement while maintaining legal distance

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the 1-metre rule applies to hands/body rather than feet - clarify it's feet position that matters
Believing aggressive contact is good defending - emphasise technique over aggression
Assuming all defenders should mark the ball - teach selective marking strategy
Thinking marking means standing still - show dynamic movement within rules
Believing fouls are always deliberate - teach how to avoid accidental obstruction

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear and immediate feedback, defined boundaries, regular movement and variety in activities

dyspraxia

Break down marking technique into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet observation space if needed, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of distances and positions, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for distance, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Modify marking to seated position if needed, use lighter equipment, adjust distances and space requirements as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances (1 metre), estimating spaces, counting successful defensive actions, calculating team scores

Science

Forces and balance when leaning, reaction time in defensive situations, physics of movement and positioning

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping court positions, understanding directions and positioning on court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when defending, managing emotions under pressure, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the court for optimal visibility, positioning at corners during games for full court view

Observation Focus

Watch for correct 1-metre distance, balance during marking, application of technique under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in when students are too aggressive, when obstruction fouls occur, or when students need technique reminders

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate correct and incorrect positions for clarity, use measuring tools to make distances visual, show balance techniques clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Feet back, lean forward!'
•'One metre distance!'
•'Balance and control!'
•'Mark the ball, not the player!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m court area, clear of obstacles and with appropriate boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface checked for hazards, appropriate for netball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones have no sharp edges and are stable
•Measuring equipment safely stored when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during marking practice
•Loss of balance when leaning forward
•Contact during defensive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movement and technique
•Regular reminders about safe defensive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor intensity levels during competitive games
•Watch for overaggressive defensive play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess appropriately, provide first aid as needed, inform relevant staff