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Lesson 4 - Changing Direction Skills

Skills To Strategy

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we use clever movement to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To select and apply different movement skills to lose a defender
To use netball rules consistently in game situations
To receive the ball with increasing control under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective change of direction techniques
Students will show understanding of space and timing in netball
Students will apply rules knowledge consistently during game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

Distributed around activity areas, check for correct pressure

Alternative: Size 4 balls, tennis balls for younger students

Cones

Various colours for different activities, placed around perimeter initially

Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags

Team bibs

Two contrasting colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts

Base Stations

6-8

Mark netball third lines if court markings not available

Alternative: Flat markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Change of direction

A quick movement technique used to alter your path and lose a defender

Defender

The player trying to prevent the attacking team from scoring or receiving the ball

Space

An area on the court that is free from defenders where a player can move to receive the ball

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving or passing the ball effectively

Feint

A fake movement designed to deceive the defender about your intended direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques
Understanding of personal space and general space
Introduction to marking and defending

Current Skills

Change of direction techniques
Reading defender movements
Receiving under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced netball tactics
Team strategies and set plays
Positional play development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent change of direction execution

Recognition of space opportunities

Improved ball handling under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Change of direction requires planting the outside foot and driving off explosively
Keep eyes on the ball when receiving, maintain good body position
Create space by moving away from defenders before attempting to receive
Timing of passes is crucial - lead the runner to where they will be
Use feints and body movement to deceive defenders before changing direction
Communication between teammates improves success rates significantly
Apply netball rules consistently, especially footwork and contact rules

Common Misconceptions

Students think they need to run faster rather than smarter - emphasise technique over speed
Belief that bigger direction changes are always better - teach efficiency and timing
Assumption that holding the ball longer creates better opportunities - promote quick decision making
Thinking that defenders can't be fooled - demonstrate effectiveness of good feints and direction changes
Misconception that individual skills are more important than team movement - emphasise collective play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time, simplified instruction sequences

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal cues for direction, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for direction changes, written/pictorial instructions on display

physical disability

Adapt movements to wheelchair or seated versions, use larger/softer equipment, modify distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and direction in movement, measuring distances, counting passes and scores, timing activities

Science

Forces and motion in direction changes, balance and coordination, heart rate and exercise effects

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and orienteering, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal viewing of all groups, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for safe technique execution, appropriate challenge level, student engagement and understanding

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or differentiation needed

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Plant and drive!' for direction changes
•'Eyes on ball!' for receiving
•'Quick feet!' for agility
•'Find space!' for movement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, ideally netball court size

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs/bands in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes
•Falls when changing direction at speed
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during intense activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Adequate spacing between groups
•Controlled defensive pressure appropriate to age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas closely
•Be alert during game situations for increased intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed