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Lesson 6 - Pass Selection and Competitive Play

Defence To Team Play

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

How do we choose the most effective pass for different game situations in netball?

Learning Objectives

To make strategic choices about which netball pass to use in different game situations
To explain the reasoning behind pass selection decisions
To apply passing skills effectively in competitive netball games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate strategic thinking in pass selection during competitive play
Students will articulate clear reasoning for their passing choices
Students will show improved teamwork and game understanding through effective communication

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

6-8 balls

One ball per court, extras positioned at court edges

Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable

Posts

4 posts (2 per court)

Posts positioned at regulation height 3.05m

Alternative: Basketball hoops or target zones marked on walls

Sun Markers

20 cones or court lines

Mark clear court boundaries and thirds lines

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape markers

Team bibs

14 bibs (7 different colours)

Different colours for each team, distributed before games start

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Scorecards

2 clipboards with score sheets

Positioned where all players can see current scores

Alternative: Whiteboard or paper scoring system

Stopwatch

2 stopwatches

One per court for timing game periods

Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Pass selection

Choosing the most appropriate type of pass based on distance, defender position, and game situation

Tactical decision

A conscious choice made during gameplay to achieve a strategic advantage

Round-robin format

A competition structure where each team plays every other team once

High Five rotations

The England Netball system where all players rotate through different positions

Court thirds

The three equal sections of a netball court - defending third, centre third, attacking third

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass
Students understand basic netball positions and court areas
Students can follow simple game rules and rotations

Current Skills

Strategic pass selection based on distance and game situation
Clear reasoning and justification for tactical decisions
Advanced competitive game play with full rules application

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness including defensive strategies
Leadership roles in organising team play
Officiating and umpiring skills

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently choose appropriate passes without prompting

Students can explain tactical decisions clearly to peers

Students demonstrate advanced game understanding through positioning and movement

Key Teaching Points

Pass selection should always be based on distance, defender position, and game situation rather than personal preference
Chest pass is most accurate for short to medium distances but lacks power for longer passes
Overhead pass provides power and height for longer distances and getting over defenders
Bounce pass is effective for getting ball past defenders but requires precise timing and distance
Quick decision-making in pass selection improves with practice and tactical understanding
Effective communication between teammates enhances tactical decision-making during games
High Five rotation system ensures all players experience different positions and tactical challenges

Common Misconceptions

That one type of pass is always better than others - correct by demonstrating situational effectiveness
That passing hard is always better than passing accurately - emphasise control over power
That fancy passes are more effective than simple ones - focus on tactical appropriateness
That pass selection is just about distance - include defender position and game context
That good players don't need to think about tactics - emphasise that top players make best decisions fastest

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear role definitions within teams, frequent positive reinforcement for focus and effort

dyspraxia

Additional practice time for pass selection decisions, simplified tactical scenarios initially, buddy system for support during games

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines for tournament format, quiet zones available during breaks, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal commentary during games, ensure clear audio signals for game starts/stops

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game management, provide written instructions for complex tactical concepts, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations

physical disability

Wheelchair-accessible court areas, modified passing heights and distances, adapted equipment if required

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication of tactical decisions, vocabulary development for netball terminology, listening skills during team discussions

Maths

Calculating tournament points and goal differences, measuring court distances, timing game periods and statistics

Science

Understanding forces and angles in different pass types, biomechanics of throwing actions, energy systems during competitive play

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on court, understanding of territories and boundaries in game contexts

PSHE

Leadership through team captaincy, fair play and respect for opponents, dealing with competitive pressure and emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during tournament to observe all games, position near centre for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for application of pass selection principles, note improvements in decision-making speed and accuracy

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts, provide additional coaching during game breaks

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing different pass types, always explain the 'why' behind tactical decisions

Verbal Cues

•'Think about the distance!'
•'Where is the defender?'
•'Great pass choice because...'
•'What would work better next time?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (30m x 15m) or equivalent marked area, minimum 2m clearance around court boundaries

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or uneven areas that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are stable and securely anchored
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Verify cones and markers are not trip hazards
•Confirm bibs are clean and appropriate sizes

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing activities
•Falls due to quick changes of direction or jumping for interceptions
•Overexertion during tournament format with multiple games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and communicated
•Emphasise controlled passing rather than maximum power
•Teach safe jumping and landing techniques
•Enforce rest periods between games to prevent fatigue
•Brief students on safe tackling and defensive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of both courts during tournament play
•Actively monitor for signs of fatigue or overheating
•Ensure umpires are managing games safely and fairly
•Watch for inappropriate physical contact during defensive play

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required