Lesson 3 - Organisation Around the D
Defence To Team Play
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can positioning and movement around the shooting circle create scoring opportunities for our team?
Learning Objectives
- Identify and use effective positioning around the shooting circle
- Explain the importance of staying 'free' to support goal shooter and goal attack
- Apply tactical awareness in attacking games to support shooters
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate strategic positioning around the D
- Students will explain how movement creates scoring opportunities
- Students will show improved game awareness in netball situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners
Set at regulation height (3.05m) or adapted height for accessibility
Alternative: Basketball hoops, wall-mounted targets at appropriate height
Mark court thirds, centre circle, and shooting circles clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports tape
Ensure clear team identification for game situations
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, team bands
Key Vocabulary
The marked area around the goal where only certain positions can enter and shoot
A position that can move in the attacking third and shoot goals from within the circle
A position that can move in the attacking third and centre third, and shoot from the circle
Being in a position to receive a pass without being closely marked by a defender
Passing the ball away from the shooting circle to create a better attacking opportunity
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing techniques from previous lessons
- Understanding of court positions and basic rules
- Experience with marking and defending skills
Current Skills
- Strategic positioning around the shooting circle
- Supporting movement for goal shooters
- Decision-making in attacking situations
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking strategies and set plays
- Transition between attack and defence
- Full game situations with all court positions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position around the D - on toes, hands up, eyes alert
- Stay available and free to support shooters at all times
- Communication is key - use your voice to help teammates
- Decision-making about when to pass out of the circle
- Tactical awareness of positioning for maximum team effectiveness
- Understanding roles of different netball positions
- Maintaining positioning discipline during fast game play
Common Misconceptions
- Players think they should always try to get closer to the goal - correct by showing value of spacing and passing opportunities
- Belief that standing still in one spot is good positioning - emphasise constant adjustment and movement
- Thinking only shooters are important in attack - highlight crucial role of supporting players
- Assumption that faster always means better - teach balance of speed and tactical awareness
- Misconception that calling for the ball is selfish - show how communication helps the whole team
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities varied and engaging, provide regular movement breaks, use positive reinforcement for focus and attention
dyspraxia
- Break down skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time for coordination, use larger balls and simplified movements initially
autism spectrum
- Provide clear, consistent routine for lesson structure, offer quiet space if overstimulated, use visual schedule for activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written tactical instructions, ensure facing student when giving instructions
physical disability
- Adapt court size and shooting height as needed, allow wheelchair users appropriate space and modified rules, provide alternative roles for limited mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using specific tactical vocabulary, developing communication skills for coaching others, following and giving instructions clearly
Maths
Calculating angles for best shooting positions, measuring distances for optimal spacing, counting successful passes and goals
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, learning about balance and centre of gravity in ready position
Geography
Using directional language and spatial awareness around the court, understanding of court mapping and position relationships
PSHE
Developing teamwork and communication skills, building resilience when tactics don't work, showing respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between different game areas to observe and coach, position at corner for maximum court visibility during main games
Observation Focus
Watch for consistent application of positioning skills, note tactical understanding development, monitor communication between teammates
Intervention Points
Step in when students not applying learned positioning, provide tactical coaching during natural breaks, address safety concerns immediately
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Clear contrast between good and poor positioning, exaggerate ready position for visibility, show decision-making process for passing out of circle
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay available around the D!'
- •'Ready position - hands up, on your toes!'
- •'Great decision to pass out!'
- •'Use your voice to help your shooters!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court (30.5m x 15.25m) or equivalent marked area
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from debris and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netball posts are secure and stable
- •Ensure netballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Verify cones and markers are not damaged with sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Player collisions during fast-paced games
- •Falls due to quick direction changes
- •Ball impact injuries from poor catches
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce strict no-contact rule throughout all activities
- •Ensure adequate spacing between game areas
- •Teach and reinforce proper catching technique
- •Monitor playing intensity and provide rest breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all playing areas
- •Monitor for fatigue and unsafe play
- •Be ready to intervene in contact situations
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed