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Lesson 1 - Netball Skills and Game Application

Defence To Team Play

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

8-10 balls

Check balls are correctly inflated and in good condition

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or basketballs if netballs unavailable

Hoops or Goals

6-9 hoops

Position at various heights and locations around playing area

Alternative: Cones with targets, bucket goals, or marked areas on walls

Soft Dodgeballs

20-30 balls

For warm-up activity - ensure they're soft for safety

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or tennis balls

Cones

12-16 cones

Mark court boundaries and zones clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or other court markers

Bibs

2-3 sets

Clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or verbal team names

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A pass where the ball is thrown from chest to chest using both hands with a pushing action

Shoulder Pass

A one-handed pass thrown from above shoulder height for longer distances

Double Bounce Rule

A player cannot bounce the ball twice consecutively to gain control

Intercept

To catch or deflect the ball when the opposing team is passing

Tactical Positioning

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

Consistent accurate passes over 3-metre distances

Zero double bounce rule violations during 5-minute games

Successful goal attempts from various court positions

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