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Big Question

How can we apply all our netball skills and tactics to succeed in a competitive tournament whilst showing excellent sportsmanship?

Learning Objectives

  • To apply netball skills and tactics effectively in tournament competition
  • To demonstrate understanding of High 5 netball rules and positions consistently
  • To evaluate performance and suggest improvements for self and others

Key Outcomes

  • Students will compete effectively using tactical awareness in High 5 netball
  • Students will demonstrate consistent application of rules and fair play
  • Students will provide constructive feedback to improve team performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
2

One ball per court, spare for quick restart

Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable

Team bibs
4 sets (different colours)

Clearly distinguishable colours for tournament identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

High 5 Netball Rules Document
4 copies

One per umpire, laminated for durability

Alternative: Printed simplified rule sheets

Whistles
2

One per court for umpiring

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Score Sheets
1 tournament sheet

Track all games and points clearly

Alternative: Clipboard with blank paper

Cones
8

Mark court boundaries if lines not available

Alternative: Court markers or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

High 5 Netball

Modified version of netball with 5 players per team, designed for primary school students

Ball-side marking

Positioning yourself between your opponent and the ball to intercept passes

Rotation

Players changing positions during the game to experience different roles

Tournament format

Structured competition where teams play multiple games with points awarded

Umpiring

Officiating the game by enforcing rules and making decisions

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and showing good conduct

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic netball passes (chest, bounce, shoulder)
  • Understanding of High 5 netball positions and court areas
  • Basic defensive marking techniques
  • Simple shooting technique

Current Skills

  • Applying tactical awareness in competitive situations
  • Consistent rule application and officiating
  • Performance evaluation and improvement suggestions
  • Advanced positional play and rotation

Next Steps

  • Full 7-a-side netball progression
  • Advanced tactical systems and set plays
  • Leadership and coaching roles
  • Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

1
Students can officiate games independently using rules cards
2
Teams demonstrate tactical understanding through purposeful passing
3
Students rotate positions effectively maintaining game flow
4
Constructive feedback is given spontaneously during play

Key Teaching Points

  • High 5 netball positions have specific court areas and job roles that must be followed consistently
  • Tournament format requires tactical thinking - short passes are more effective than long passes
  • Ball-side marking is the key defensive strategy to intercept passes and regain possession
  • Sportsmanship and positive communication are as important as technical skills in competition
  • Position rotation allows all students to experience different roles and develop varied skills
  • Student umpiring develops rule knowledge and decision-making confidence
  • Peer feedback should focus on specific actions and skills rather than general praise

Common Misconceptions

  • Students may confuse High 5 netball positions with full 7-a-side netball rules and court areas
  • Some students think all positions can shoot when only GS and GA are allowed in High 5
  • Students may believe longer passes are always better when short passes maintain possession more effectively
  • Some students think defence means staying close to opponent rather than positioning ball-side
  • Students may assume centre position is limited to centre third when they can access all thirds except goal circles
  • Some students think tournament points only come from winning when good sportsmanship can earn extra points

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Clear boundaries and rules, regular active breaks, specific roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
  • Larger softer balls, simplified court markings, extra processing time for position changes
autism spectrum
  • Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet zone available between games, predictable rotation system
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured bibs, verbal court descriptions, buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule cards, clear visual positioning demonstrations
physical disability
  • Modified positions closer to action, seated scoring roles, adapted equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving instructions clearly, explaining tactical decisions and rule applications

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, statistics and probability in game outcomes

Science

Forces in ball flight and passing, reaction times in defensive situations, teamwork dynamics

PSHE

Leadership responsibilities, managing competition pressure, celebrating others' achievements, resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during tournament, central position during instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, rule understanding, and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in if rules confusion arises or unsporting behaviour occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use court markings to show positions, exaggerate movements for visibility from distance

Verbal Cues
  • 'Short passes keep possession!'
  • 'Mark ball-side to defend!'
  • 'Excellent sportsmanship, well done!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two netball courts or equivalent space (minimum 30m x 15m each)

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and court markings clearly visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure bibs have no torn edges or loose fastenings
  • Whistles clean and functioning properly

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between players during fast-paced tournament games
  • Falls due to quick direction changes and competitive intensity
  • Ball contact injuries during interceptions or rebounds
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear court boundaries established and maintained
  • Emphasis on controlled contact and fair play
  • Regular breaks between games to prevent fatigue
  • Student umpires briefed on safety considerations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position between both courts for maximum visibility
  • Monitor game intensity and intervene if play becomes too physical
  • Support student umpires with safety decisions
Emergency Procedures

Stop tournament immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, restart only when safe