Lesson 1 - Netball Skills and Game Application
Defence To Team Play
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can we use accurate passing skills and tactical awareness to outplay the opposition in netball?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply the double bounce rule in netball gameplay
- To develop chest pass and shoulder pass techniques for accurate ball distribution
- To demonstrate tactical awareness in attack and defence during small-sided games
Key Outcomes
- Students will accurately perform chest and shoulder passes with correct technique
- Students will apply the double bounce rule consistently during game situations
- Students will work collaboratively to score goals using tactical positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable
Position at various heights and locations around playing area
Alternative: Cones with targets, bucket goals, or marked areas on walls
For warm-up activity - ensure they're soft for safety
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or tennis balls
Mark court boundaries and zones clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or other court markers
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or verbal team names
Key Vocabulary
A pass where the ball is thrown from chest to chest using both hands with a pushing action
A one-handed pass thrown from above shoulder height for longer distances
A player cannot bounce the ball twice consecutively to gain control
To catch or deflect the ball when the opposing team is passing
Moving to the best position on court to help your team attack or defend
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous PE lessons
- Understanding of team games and cooperation
- Experience with throwing and catching activities
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with correct body positioning
- Shoulder pass technique for longer distances
- Application of double bounce rule in game situations
- Tactical awareness in attack and defence
Next Steps
- Advanced netball positions and their specific roles
- Complex passing combinations and movement patterns
- Full court netball games with official rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Chest pass: fingers behind ball, elbows bent, step forward, straight arms with wrist flick
- Shoulder pass: opposite foot forward, ball above shoulder, one-handed throw with follow through
- Double bounce rule: only one bounce allowed before catching, violation results in turnover
- Tactical awareness: defend multiple goals requires communication and positioning
- Game application: use appropriate pass for distance and pressure situation
- Safety priority: controlled throwing, no tackling in central zone, respect for opponents
- Teamwork emphasis: success depends on cooperation and communication rather than individual skill
Common Misconceptions
- Chest pass can be thrown with palms instead of fingertips - correct with finger positioning emphasis
- Same foot forward for shoulder pass - demonstrate and practice opposite foot placement
- Double bounce rule only applies when dribbling - clarify it applies to any ball handling sequence
- Powerful throwing is more important than accuracy - reinforce technique and precision over force
- Individual scoring is most important - emphasise team success and collaborative play
- Netball is just about throwing and catching - introduce tactical elements and game understanding
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer regular movement breaks and positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and patient guidance
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if needed during competitive elements
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rule cards, ensure clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Offer seated passing options, use larger/lighter balls, adapt distances and movements as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, listening to instructions, explaining tactics to teammates, sports commentary vocabulary
Maths
Calculating scores from different value goals, measuring court distances, timing activities, counting successful passes
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, body systems during exercise, physics of ball flight and bouncing
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, building resilience through challenges, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of court for visibility of all zones, move dynamically during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for passing technique, rule compliance, tactical development, and safety
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, rule violations, or when students need technical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate key technique points for visibility, use both successful and error correction examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingers behind the ball!'
- •'Step forward and follow through!'
- •'Use your voice to communicate!'
- •'Remember the double bounce rule!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 25m clear space, suitable for court markings and multiple goals
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure hoops/goals are securely positioned and stable
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
- •Collisions between students during active games
- •Trips and falls from rapid direction changes
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Adequate spacing between practice groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •No-tackling zone rules strictly enforced
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all court zones
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue and inappropriate competitive behaviour
- •Ensure rule compliance to prevent dangerous play
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required