Lesson 6 - Pass Selection and Competitive Play
Defence To Team Play
•Year 6
•Netball
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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
One ball per court, extras positioned at court edges
Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable
Posts positioned at regulation height 3.05m
Alternative: Basketball hoops or target zones marked on walls
Mark clear court boundaries and thirds lines
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape markers
Different colours for each team, distributed before games start
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Positioned where all players can see current scores
Alternative: Whiteboard or paper scoring system
One per court for timing game periods
Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock
Key Vocabulary
Choosing the most appropriate type of pass based on distance, defender position, and game situation
A conscious choice made during gameplay to achieve a strategic advantage
A competition structure where each team plays every other team once
The England Netball system where all players rotate through different positions
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
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