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Lesson 5 - Ball Side Defence and Interceptions

Skills To Strategy

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

How can I stay between my opponent and the ball to become an unstoppable defender?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate effective ball side marking techniques consistently
To identify and execute successful interception opportunities
To apply High 5 netball rules accurately during defensive play

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain ball side positioning throughout defensive situations
Students will successfully intercept passes using timing and positioning
Students will demonstrate understanding of when to mark vs when to intercept

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Distributed around court perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners

Posts

Positioned at standard height (3.05m) or adjusted for age group

Alternative: Basketball hoops at lower height, target zones marked on wall

Team bibs

Two contrasting colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts

High 5 Netball Rules Document

1 per teacher

Keep accessible for quick rule clarification

Alternative: Laminated rule summary cards

Cones

Mark court boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Floor markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Ball side

Positioning yourself between your opponent and the ball

Interception

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for an opponent

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball

High 5 Netball

Modified netball with 5 players per team and adapted rules

Centre third

The middle section of the netball court between the two goal thirds

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques
Understanding of court positions
Simple marking and defending concepts
Basic High 5 netball rules

Current Skills

Ball side marking technique
Intercepting passes effectively
Reading the game to decide when to mark vs intercept
Quick footwork for defensive movements

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies and team tactics
Zone defence concepts
Full court defensive pressure
Leadership in defensive organisation

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball side position for 80% of defensive situations

Successfully intercepts 3+ passes per game

Demonstrates understanding of when to press vs when to hold position

Shows quick recovery when beaten by attacker

Key Teaching Points

Ball side marking means staying between your opponent and the ball at all times
Use small, quick steps to maintain defensive position rather than large movements
Keep eyes on both the ball and your player using peripheral vision
Only go for interceptions when you have a high chance of success
Communicate with teammates to coordinate defensive efforts
Maintain low, balanced stance for quick movement in any direction
Recover quickly if beaten and get back into defensive position

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that staying close to an attacker is the same as ball side marking - emphasise the importance of positioning relative to ball
Believing they should go for every interception opportunity - teach selective, high-percentage attempts
Assuming defending is just about individual skills - stress importance of team defensive work
Thinking ball side means standing directly between ball and player - explain about reading angles and anticipating movement
Believing they should watch only the ball or only their player - teach split vision techniques

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks between instructions, clear boundaries and simple rules, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Slower pace instruction, extra practice time, larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, peer support partners

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, defined personal space boundaries, quiet zone available if needed, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright orange netballs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation, use bells or verbal cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for communication, written rule summaries, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated netball variations, modified court size, adapted balls (larger or softer), alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team discussions, descriptive language for tactical analysis, following complex instructions

Maths

Geometry - angles and lines when marking ball side, calculating distances for optimal positioning, measuring court dimensions

Science

Forces and motion in interception timing, physics of ball flight paths, body systems response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding relative positions and movements, mapping defensive strategies

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of court for maximum visibility of all groups, move between groups during practice phases

Observation Focus

Watch for ball side positioning, decision-making between marking and intercepting, application of skills in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, when groups need rule clarification, or when individuals need specific technique support

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements, relate all skills to game application

Verbal Cues

•'Stay ball side!'
•'Small steps, quick feet!'
•'Read the pass!'
•'Good decision - mark or intercept?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half netball court minimum (15m x 30m), full court preferred for games

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure netball posts are secure and at appropriate height
•Verify bibs are clean and fastened securely
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during defensive movements
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Ball impact injuries from passes
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and spacing between groups
•Emphasise controlled movements over speed
•No overhead passes rule reduces hard ball impacts
•Regular water breaks and intensity monitoring
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor defensive contact - emphasise non-contact marking
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure immediate response to any collisions

Emergency Procedures

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